September 12, 2022

Hampden Central Deanery holds 16th annual 9/11 Memorial Mass

REGIONAL
Story and photos by David Martin

Conventional Franciscan Father Brad Milunski pastor of St. Stanislaus Basilica, delivers the homily at the 9/11 Memorial Mass.

CHICOPEE – Firefighters, police officers and veterans processed in, some carrying flags, while “America the Beautiful” was sung during the Hampden Central Deanery’s 16^th annual Memorial Mass for the Victims and Families of 9/11.

This year’s Memorial Mass took place on Sunday Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish in Chicopee to commemorate the lives lost during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the U.S. Conventional Franciscan Father Brad Milunski pastor of St. Stanislaus Basilica, celebrated the Mass.

Father Milunski said in his homily that God is reaching out to all who are so deeply hurt and having doubts about their faith because 9/11 has left an empty place at their dinner table. They may be so overcome with grief that they are unwilling to believe that God is eager to offer them love, mercy, and compassion every day of their lives.

“God is running to meet us in our painful memories, running to help us in our vocations, in our efforts and our risk-taking that we do on behalf of one another to protect and to serve. So, I would suggest to you, my brothers and sisters, that this 9/11 anniversary could be focused not so much on us as it is on the God who we worship today,“ said Father Milunski.

Men and women in uniform participated during the Mass, including presenting Gospel readings. Government officials also were present, including Chicopee Mayor John Vieau, who was a gift bearer during the offertory.

Bruce Broyles, the coordinator of the Memorial Mass, said the first responders and veterans are all very proud and humbled to participate and their presence is very meaningful as representatives of those who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifices for the safety of others on a daily basis. He said it is also important to remember all the innocent people who lost their lives on 9/11.

“People just like you and me, not just police and fire(fighters), went to work one day and they never came home, so at what point do you think we should stop remembering that? Our intention was to have it be a never forget moment and that is basically what this is about,” said Broyles.

Broyles who is a parishioner at St. Rose de Lima Parish in Chicopee, said right after the 9/11 attacks happened Americans rallied together to show their best side and he hopes the country can emulate that feeling in the present day.

The Prayer of the Faithful was offered to the victims who perished in 9/11 and for those who continue to suffer from the event so they can find support from loved ones and from God. Prayers also were offered for those whose intentions are to perform terrorist attacks, that God’s love can change their hearts and guide them to becoming more peaceful.

Deacon Michael Trznadel of St. Rose de Lima Parish participated during the Mass. He said he thinks the people who attend the Mass want to take part in remembering and honoring those that lost their lives on 9/11 and those who died in defense of their country for freedom afterwards.

“I think it is very important that we remember that God is with us and thank God for the things he does for us in the present, so that we never forget and we try to do for others so that these type of events will never happen again,” said Deacon Trznadel.

At the end of Mass, it was announced that next year’s Memorial Mass would take place at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Ludlow.

After the Mass, a reception with light refreshments took place in the school cafeteria.

A video version of this story will be featured on an upcoming edition of “Real to Reel” which airs Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. on WWLP-22 NEWS.