Church of SS. Cosmas and Damian
From the Pastor Emeritus' Desk

     Everyone in our Nation, and indeed, throughout the world, was shocked and extremely saddened by the tragic events that took place in New York City and Washington, D.C. on September 11, 2001. This, of course, includes the people of our city and parish community, whether or not we knew people or are related to those who lost their lives.
     People ask: “What can we do?” We have already responded in a prayerful way by coming together for a special memorial service and for Sunday prayer and liturgy. We have responded generously with financial support to the Catholic Charities Disaster Relief Fund and to the many appeals from Fire and Police agencies. At the bidding of Parish Council, I have written to Mayor Guiliani of New York City and President Bush offering our prayers for the victims and their families and support for their administrations, as well as for Divine guidance for the decisions that will have to be made in the near future.
     Still, people ask: "What more can we do?” As your pastor, I urge you to live the Christian life to the best of your ability. Seek justice, but be aware of God’s infinite mercy. Be kind to one another. Be compassionate and considerate and respectful to one another. Forgive each other as God has forgiven you. Love your enemies as well as your friends, as the Lord bids us to do. Have respect for all human life, from conception to natural death. Be a people of prayer. Gather the family for daily prayer. Pray before the Blessed Sacrament. And above all, don’t let your anger and frustration turn into hate for the people of any race, nationality, religion or ethnic background because of the actions of a few.
     God has perhaps called us to this moment of truth to test our faith and dedication to carrying out His Divine Will. Let us be up to the task. Justice must prevail. Perpetrators must be punished. But let us also remember the words of Christ on the cross: “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”
     "Let there be peace on earth. And let it begin with me.”