St. Anthony’s Church Hosts 9/11 Tribute

St. Anthony’s Church in Farnham commemorated the 10th Anniversary of the tragic terrorist attacks on the United States with a memorial Mass at 9:00 am on Sunday, September 11, 2011. The special Mass was planned as a memorial to those who lost their lives on 9/11 as well as a tribute to the many dedicated volunteers who put themselves in harm’s way each day protecting our homes, towns and country. Over 250 people were in attendance at the liturgy, which highlighted an entrance procession by the color guard of Farnham Fire Department, as well as many firefighters and other first responders from the Villages of Farnham and Angola . Parishioners were asked to wear red, white and blue to the Mass to show their patriotic spirit. Ten American flags, representing the 10 years, graced the parish grounds. St. Anthony’s Folk Group led the congregation in the singing of several Patriotic hymns. At the Communion Meditation, Rev. James Fliss, Pastor, invited all first responders in the congregation to stand. After they recited the “Firemen’s Prayer”, he bestowed a special blessing upon them. In a moving gesture, two firemen, dressed in turnout gear, and a police officer made their way up the center aisle in silence and placed a lit lantern in front of the altar in memory of the lives lost on 9/11. At the end of Mass, the first responders, formed an honor guard outside the church as parishioners departed and small American flags were distributed to the congregation. Pictured are First Responders who participated in the memorial service.