9/11 memories: Rediscovering the gift of life amid the heartbreak

(Editor’s note: Memories of Sept. 11, 2001, still fill the hearts and minds of people old enough to remember that tragic day 25 years ago when terrorist attacks rocked the United States and the world. The Criterion has invited our readers to share how the events of that time have shaped their faith and their life then and still. Here are some of their stories.)
 

By John Shaughnessy

Every generation in the United States seems to have a moment when people can clearly recall years later where they were and how they felt.

The bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. The assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. American astronaut Neil Armstrong walking on the moon in 1969. The start of the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, among others.

The events of Sept. 11, 2001, are vivid for many Americans who experienced that day. Ken Shanks is one of them.

“I was at work when 9/11 happened,” recalls Shanks, a member of St. Augustine Parish in Jeffersonville. “We had a radio on, and programming was interrupted with the announcement that a plane had hit one of the twin towers in New York City.

“At first no one knew why it happened, and there was the thought that it was likely an air traffic controller issue or a plane malfunction.”

Shanks and his colleagues immediately put their work aside and found a television.

“We watched in horror as a second plane hit the second tower. We all knew at that point that this was more than coincidence and had to be a planned attack.

“As we watched the fires—and then the people jumping out the windows—more than one person whispered, ‘Oh God’, or ‘Dear God.’ I whispered, ‘Holy Mary.’

“Then the buildings collapsed. We knew no one would be saved. Some thought it would be the start of World War III. Others thought it was the end of time.”

Shanks held onto a more comforting belief.

“I was consumed with grief over the whole thing, but ultimately I knew that nothing catches God off guard,” he says 25 years later. “He’s always in charge, always has a plan, and it’s never about revenge.

“Those victims were now with Jesus.”

‘I did not get through that day alone’

The shock and the horror kept increasing with each news report that day.

After the twin towers were struck, the news of a plane crashing into the Pentagon followed. Then came reports of United Flight 93 going down in western Pennsylvania—a plane that terrorists likely targeted for the U.S. Capitol or the White House until that tragedy was averted by the heroic actions of the plane’s passengers and crew who sacrificed their lives in that effort.

The heartbreak and horror of it all overwhelmed Janine Schorsch.

“I did not get through that day alone. God carried me,” says Schorsch, a member of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross Parish in Bright.

“The days following were filled with the shock of so many lives lost as well as the stories of brave heroes doing everything they could to help. Support and compassion poured in from around the world. Churches were full with prayerful petitioners.”

The shared grief connected people in a powerful way during that Sunday’s Mass.

“There were so many tears, understanding glances and comforting hugs when there were no words,” Schorsch says. “At the Our Father, I witnessed God reaching out his hands to each of us.

“We were holding hands with those near to us when a movement began—people stepping into the aisles, joining hands across the space. Literally, every person was connected.

“I will always remember that moment. People may have differing opinions, but at our core we are humans needing each other, reaching out our hands as children of God.

“God calls us to always be present to each other.”

A life remembered

The news of a tragedy can make us reflect on the fragile nature of our lives.

And when the news connects us in some way to a person who has died in that tragedy, it can also have a lasting hold on us, making us want to make sure that the person and their sacrifice are remembered.

Twenty-five years after 9/11, Tim Kelly remembers where he was that day and what he was about to do. He also wants people to remember Lt. General Timothy Maude.

“On that morning, I was scheduled to be in Washington,” recalls Kelly, a member of Christ the King Parish in Indianapolis. “I arrived at the airport just as the second tower was hit. I went back to my office and joined in watching TV coverage with co-workers.

“In the news that followed, Indianapolis connections were covered. General Maude was mentioned. He died in the attack on the Pentagon. He was the highest-ranking officer to die that day.”

In the aftermath, Kelly also learned that Maude was a fellow alumnus of the former Latin School in Indianapolis, an archdiocesan high school seminary.

“There is a plaque in the courtyard of the former Latin School, 520 Stevens Street, honoring Lt. General Maude and other graduates who lost their lives in service to their country,” Kelly says.

“Although he didn’t find a priestly vocation, his life was one of service.”

From horror to a home

Just as it happened for many Americans, Amylou Porter was overwhelmed with emotion by the tragic events of 9/11.

“As the day unfolded, I remember feeling fear and overwhelming grief and feelings of complete helplessness,” recalls Porter, who lived in Memphis, Tenn., in 2001.

That devastating day was one when a person could lose their faith in humanity. Yet for Porter and countless Americans across the country, it was more so a day when they turned to God and a faith they had lost at some point in their lives.

“I had drifted away from the Church over the years, but on that day, I kept having the strong urge to pray a rosary, which I hadn’t done in a long time,” recalls Porter, special events coordinator for the archdiocese.

“I didn’t even have a rosary. I remember looking for information about where I could purchase rosary beads in Memphis, and I located a Catholic bookstore that had some. I left work early that day—who could get anything done?— purchased my rosary beads and ended up visiting a parish that had opened up for prayer that evening.”

Shortly after she entered the church, she felt a sense of peace and home.

“It helped so much to be in community with people in prayer that night,” recalls Porter, now a member of St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish in Indianapolis. “I think being present at that time reminded me of how powerful prayer and our Catholic community are.”

That evening in community and shared prayer started Porter on a path to embracing her faith.

“Even though it took some more time for me to fully recommit myself to the Church, I think my road back began on 9/11 with the need to pray a rosary.” †

 

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