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As we approach the anniversary of September 11, 2001, we join together from across the country to remember the tragic events of that fateful morning and to respond in a faith-filled way. We draw on our faith to make this anniversary a time to remember, a time to deepen our commitment to faithfulness, and a time to strengthen our active participation in efforts to build a more just and peaceful world. The Catholic Church uses nine days as the traditional period of time for the devotional prayer called a "novena." A novena is repeated nine successive times for special intentions, often focusing on hopeful mourning, yearning, and prayer. We offer the nine days of the novena as a framework to prepare for and to commemorate the anniversary of September 11. Beginning on Tuesday, September 3, and continuing each day up till Wednesday, September 11, we invite you to use these suggestions for prayer and spiritual practices. In this way, the prayers of many will be joined as one, eliminating any differences that could otherwise divide us. May we all feel the presence of God's peace and healing and the prayerful support of each other as we journey in faith together. As we prepare ourselves to remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001, we recall that, as a people of faith: 1. We are a people who pray. We pray for the victims and their families, and for those who have since died working to end terror and violence. We pray for national and world leaders, for police and firefighters, for health care and relief workers, and for military men and women. We pray for an end to terror and violence. We also pray for the Afghan people and for our adversaries. We pray for peace. 2. We are a people who fast. Why do we fast? Fasting helps us be more concerned about others. Fasting makes us more open to God and ready to act when God calls us. Today, we fast because we want a just and peaceful world and we want to protect all innocent human life. 3. We are a people who teach. Pope Paul VI once said, "If you want peace, work for justice." During these nine days, practice two skills that teach and work toward justice: 1. Treat others with dignity--each of us has equal value in God's eyes. 2. Help those who are the most vulnerable among us, especially the poor. 4.We are a people who dialogue. We need to know more about other faiths and understand them better. Spend some time reading in the library or online about other faith traditions. 5. We are a people who bear witness. A "witness" is someone who gives testimony or has personal knowledge of something. Recall a time when you were treated with respect and dignity. As you remember that experience, be a witness to the respect and dignity that we are capable of showing to each other throughout each day. 6. We are a people who serve. On a personal level, serve others by doing small acts of kindness throughout each day. On a broader level, donate to the charitable agency of your choice to assist brothers and sisters who suffer throughout the world. 7.We are a people who stand in solidarity. Stand for one minute of silent prayer each day. Remember those who suffer injustice throughout the world. Remember world leaders that they might make peace and justice a top priority for all people. Research and act on an international peace and justice issue. Learn more about these issues at www.usccb.org/sdwp. 8.We are a people who hope. Above all, we turn to God and to one another in hope. Hope is rooted in God's promise and is nourished by prayer, penance, and acts of charity and solidarity. Hope is at the center of who we are. (United States Catholic Conference of Bishops) How to pray this novena:
You will need: a candle, a bowl of water, & salt.
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