Message from Amanda M. Thomas, Ph.D., Loyola’s interim president: Remembering 9/11

Amanda M. Thomas, Ph.D., interim president, shared this statement with the Loyola community today:

"This weekend marks the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. Whether we remember that day vividly or know it only through stories and history classes, we look back on those terrorist attacks on our nation with great sadness.

On Sept. 11, we lost beloved members of our Loyola family who are honored in our beautiful September 11 Memorial Garden by Alumni Memorial Chapel. I invite you to make a visit to that space over the next few days.

Opportunities to Mark the Day
We are offering a few opportunities to gather, pray, and remember during this time:

• Mass of Remembrance: Rev. Jack Dennis, S.J., university chaplain, will celebrate the 12:10 p.m. Mass on Friday, Sept. 10, in Alumni Memorial Chapel in remembrance of those who died 20 years ago. You can attend in person or watch via livestream.
• Candlelight Vigil: We will gather and pray at a candlelight vigil in our September 11 Memorial Garden at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 10.
• Documentary Screening: “Divided We Fall: America in The Aftermath,” a documentary highlighting the anti-Sikh and Islamophobic violence that arose following the tragedy of 9/11, will be screened on Monday, Sept. 13, from 3-5 p.m. in the Campus Ministry Office common space.
• Archival Exhibit: The Loyola/Notre Dame Library is hosting an exhibit titled, “September 11, 2001: The Day that Changed the World.” The exhibit, which runs through November, focuses on the effect of 9/11 on the nation, the world, our city and region, and the Loyola and Notre Dame of Maryland University communities.

Reflecting as Global Citizens
Our Jesuit tradition urges us to reflect on the past as a way of learning how to better navigate the future. Reflection also helps us recognize that God is always with us. As we consider that dark time for our country, we can find inspiration and hope in recalling those who stepped forward with courage, conviction, and compassion to help others. God accompanied our nation then, just as God accompanies us now.

Today, we continue to navigate tragedy, as we witness suffering and the loss of life—including American troops—in Afghanistan, see the impact of Hurricane Ida on so many in our nation, and watch the ongoing issues related to the double pandemics of COVID-19 and racism. As global citizens, we are called to consider how we can care for our neighbor and better the world around us.

“How could catastrophe possibly prevail over us?
We will not march back to what was,
but move to what shall be.
A country that is bruised but whole,
benevolent but bold,
fierce and free.”
— “The Hill We Climb,” by Amanda Gorman, National Youth Poet Laureate

As we reflect on 9/11, let us continue to march forward with courage, faith, and hope."