Catholic News Agency: Heroic New York priests vividly recall Sept. 11 attacks

Catholic News Agency profiles two New York City priests who worked with emergency personnel following the 9-11 attacks.

Fr. Gerald Murray of St. Vincent De Paul Church remembers going to the roof of his rectory in Chelsea when he saw the second plane hit the World Trade Center.

“It was quite dramatic,” he recalled, momentarily stunned by what he saw that morning 10 years ago.

His next move, however, was surprising.

Rather than follow the natural instinct to run away from danger, he grabbed his bike and rode in the direction of the inflamed towers “so that I could be of use as a priest giving last rites,” he told CNA.

[. . .]

Having served as a Navy Reserve chaplain, Fr. Murray explained that he was taught that the “chaplain doesn't go to the battle line, he goes where they bring the wounded – the aid station.”

“Immediately I saw the priest at St. Vincent's and I said 'could you use some help?' and he said 'yes' so I stayed at St. Vincent's the whole morning and gave absolution to people who were being wheeled in.”

[. . .]

Both priests remember being moved at how the local community mobilized immediately after the tragedy hit.

“The city really snapped into action,” Fr. Murray said, noting that then-mayor Rudy Guliani came by that morning to St. Vincent's Hospital. He also remembered “a lot of people milling around St. Vincent's.”

“It was very inspiring – people lined up to give blood and it was very moving.”

Fr. Rutler agreed, saying there “was a  most remarkable display of cooperation. New Yorkers are at their best in crisis.”