La Salette Shrine Celebrates 9/11 Memorial Mass

held a special 9-11 Memorial Mass at 8 a.m. Sunday which was the first of three special events taking place at the Shrine on the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

Before prayers began the church bells were struck 10 times, once for each year since the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The alter was decorated with a memorial flag, with the names of the approximately 3,000 people who perished printed in a pattern making up the flag's stars and stripes.

Shrine Director, Rev. Brother Bob Russell, MS (Missionaries of La Salette) is now celebrating his 50th anniversary in the La Salette community. He approached the 9/11 Memorial Mass with a very personal connection, having lost a cousin in one of the Twin Towers that day. Shortly after 9/11, he wrote a poem dedicated to her.  He read the poem in its entirety to the congregants:

"Our hearts are broken as we bear the loss of heroes, loved ones dear,  To God, our Father, we now turn,  With hope and prayer, we, this lesson learn. Now, more than ever, to depend on his strong help our knees we bend. In Him alone we find release. From evil deeds, may suffering cease!"

Congregant Mary Deschamps of Attleboro took a few minutes to reflect upon the flag hanging at the alter and think of the 3,000 people who were killed.  "We're always so busy with our own lives and living in our own little worlds," Deschamps said.  "I felt it was important to come out this morning and acknowledge the 9/11 anniversary before being able to move on with life."

With many of the prayers dedicated to the theme of forgiveness, Linda Johnston of Norton and Larry Rose of Attleboro admitted to disagreement even among family members when discussion turns to forgiving those responsible for the 9/11 attack.

"Forgiving those who attacked us can bring on some heated arguments," Rose said. "Peace can be a tough sell."