A Message of Remembrance and Gratitude from National President Betty Colaneri: September 11th—25 Years Later
Today marks 25 years since September 11, 2001—a day forever engraved in our memories.
We remember with profound sorrow the nearly 3,000 lives lost that day. We remember the families whose lives were forever changed, the first responders who ran towards danger as others fled and all who demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
As Canadians, we also remember a remarkable chapter of compassion that unfolded here at home. After airspace in both Canada and the United States was closed, hundreds of aircraft were forced to change course, with many diverted to Canadian airports. Communities in Newfoundland and Labrador, in particular, suddenly found themselves welcoming thousands of unexpected guests. In Gander and surrounding communities, planes carrying passengers from around the world landed far from their intended destinations.
They arrived as strangers, but they were not treated as strangers.
Newfoundlanders opened schools, community centres, churches and homes. They prepared meals, provided clothing and bedding, filled prescriptions, offered showers and telephones, cared for children and welcomed frightened and weary travellers with warmth, humour and kindness. In one of history’s darkest moments, the people of Newfoundland and Labrador became a light.
Their response reminds us of Christ’s call: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35).
Twenty-five years later, that witness remains powerful. It reminds us that while hatred can cause terrible destruction, it does not have the final word. Fear does not have the final word. Violence does not have the final word. Compassion does.
On this solemn anniversary, we remember those whose lives were taken, those who continue to carry the wounds of that day and the first responders and ordinary citizens whose courage revealed the very best of humanity.
With particular pride and gratitude, we honour the people of Newfoundland and Labrador who opened their communities and, more importantly, their hearts to thousands of strangers who suddenly found themselves far from home.
Their generosity showed the world something deeply Canadian and profoundly Christian: when someone is in need, we make room at the table.
May we carry that spirit forward. May we choose welcome over fear, compassion over indifference and peace over hatred. May we continue to recognize Christ in the stranger, the frightened, the grieving and the vulnerable.
May God grant eternal rest to all whose lives were taken on September 11, 2001, comfort to those who mourn them and His blessing upon all whose acts of courage, hospitality and love brought light into that terrible darkness.
We remember. We pray. We give thanks for those who showed us that, even on humanity’s darkest days, the light of love can still shine.
