September 11th in America

After seven years, it’s still so fresh. It goes without saying we will never forget. But they’re saying it at ceremonies this day at the sites of the infamous attacks on this date.

Like at the Pentagon.

And in New York.

“Today marks the seventh anniversary of the day our world was broken,” Mayor Michael Bloomberg said. “It lives forever in our hearts and our history, a tragedy that unites us in a common memory and a common story …”

Which is why Pope Benedict XVI wanted to visit Ground Zero and pray. Here’s his prayer.

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…..

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.

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.