Fr. Mychal Judge: A Shepherd in the Face of Tragedy

In the Biblical Gospels of Luke and Matthew, there’s a parable about a good shepherd who would leave behind ninety-nine sheep to find one that’s lost. Fr. Mychal Judge, a chaplain with the FDNY, dedicated much of his life to embodying that spirit — working with alcoholics, AIDS patients, and firefighters during their most challenging moments.

On September 11, 2001, at the age of 68, Fr. Mychal answered that call once more. He left his friary and headed straight towards the devastation, while many others fled.

‘I’m not finished here.’

As he reached the lobby of the North Tower, Fr. Mychal stayed near the firefighters he had come to support. He bravely navigated through falling debris and the heartbreaking aftermath of those who had leapt to escape the flames. He paused frequently to kneel, pray, anoint, and bless those around him, whether they were dying or already lost, treating each person with a tender, unhurried care.

An opportunity for safety was presented to him — a chance to sit with officials who were evacuating to a safer spot. He declined, saying, “I’m not finished here.”

Witnesses later recalled the sight of his lips moving in fervent prayer amidst the chaos. He continually whispered, “Jesus, please end this. God, please end this.”

Tragically, at 9:59 a.m., as he was still kneeling in prayer, the South Tower collapsed. The resulting debris struck him, taking his life before the structure had fully fallen.

His body was discovered by a police officer and three emergency responders in the smoke-filled lobby. They stumbled upon him in the darkness, with one of them later recalling the moment vividly as they located him.

A photograph captured the poignant moment of his recovery — ash-encrusted men lovingly carrying Fr. Mychal as if he were a precious relic.

Quickly, people began to refer to this image as “the American Pietà,” likening it to the Virgin Mary’s embrace of her Son.

Due to the tragic circumstances, Fr. Mychal’s body became the first recorded victim that day, with the documentation simply stating: Victim 0001. Of the nearly 3,000 lives lost, his name was the first listed — the shepherd who, rather ironically, reached the end before the rest.

One firefighter remarked that it was fitting for Fr. Mychal to be first, reflecting his role of always moving ahead, ensuring that no one faced the darkness alone.

He was taken to St. Peter’s Church, where he was laid before the altar. The street outside his friary now bears his name, and every September, firefighters and family members walk the route Fr. Mychal took on that fateful day, from the church he served to the firehouse where he fell — retracing his final steps and not looking back.