memory eternal

" O God of love, compassion, and healing,
look on us, people of many different faiths 

and traditions, 

who gather today at this site, 

the scene of incredible violence and pain. 

We ask you in your goodness 

to give eternal light and peace to all who died here— 

the heroic first-responders: 

our fire fighters, police officers, 

emergency service workers, and 

Port Authority personnel, 

along with all the innocent men and women 

who were victims of this tragedy 

simply because their work or service 

brought them here on September 11, 2001. 

We ask you, in your compassion 

to bring healing to those 

who, because of their presence here that day, 

suffer from injuries and illness. 

Heal, too, the pain of still-grieving families 

and all who lost loved ones in this tragedy. 

Give them strength to continue their lives 

with courage and hope. 

We are mindful as well 

of those who suffered death, injury, and loss 

on the same day at the Pentagon and in 

Shanksville, Pennsylvania. 

Our hearts are one with theirs 

as our prayer embraces their pain and suffering. 

God of peace, bring your peace to our violent world: 

peace in the hearts of all men and women 

and peace among the nations of the earth. 

Turn to your way of love 

those whose hearts and minds 

are consumed with hatred. 

God of understanding, 

overwhelmed by the magnitude of this tragedy, 

we seek your light and guidance 

as we confront such terrible events. 

Grant that those whose lives were spared 

may live so that the lives lost here 

may not have been lost in vain. 

Comfort and console us, 

strengthen us in hope, 

and give us the wisdom and courage 

to work tirelessly for a world 

where true peace and love reign 

among nations and in the hearts of all. "

-Pope Benedict XVI

God Bless America.