ALLENTOWN, Pa. – At Cathedral Church of St. Catharine of Siena in Allentown, the faithful remember the day that broke America’s heart on 9/11.
“In 25 years in the war on terrorism, we have lost many, many people seeking to protect us in our homeland, and we are so very grateful to them,” said Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown Bishop Alfred Schlert.
Some in attendance weren’t alive when it happened.
For some who were, the scars are still raw.
“I had a cousin that died in 9/11,” said Brian Hallock, former master, Pennsylvania Central District, Knights of Columbus.
“I lost a few friends in the in the towers that I remember every year and every day as I celebrate mass,” said Rev. Christopher Butera of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Bath.
This is the Diocese of Allentown’s “Red, White and Blue Mass.”
“We remember the thousands of innocent lives that were taken so suddenly. We remember families forever changed, communities left grieving and a nation united in sorrow,” said Bishop Schlert.
The bishop’s words resonated through the church and landed on the hearts of those sitting in the pews.
“Very important to give support to those who are still suffering on 9/11 — the families and friends of those emergency personnel, the firemen, everybody,” said Charles Malitsch.
“We believe in America. Our grandchildren believe in America. Our children believe in America. God bless America and the freedoms that it has provided for us,” said Judy Malitsch.
The bishop’s words are a reminder to never forget.