Our Holy Father conducted a general audience in Rome the day after the World Trade Center tragedy. I thought you might be interested in the text of his talk:
 “I cannot begin this audience without expressing my profound sorrow at the terrorist attacks which yesterday brought death and destruction to America, causing thousands of victims and injuring countless people. To the President of the United States and to all American citizens I express my heartfelt sorrow. In the face of such unspeakable horror we cannot but be deeply disturbed. I add my voice to all the voices raised in these hours to express indignant condemnation, and I strongly reiterate that the ways of violence will never lead to genuine solutions to humanity’s problems.
 Yesterday was a dark day in the history of humanity, a terrible affront to human dignity. After receiving the news, I followed with intense concern the developing situation, with heartfelt prayers to the Lord. How is it possible to commit acts of such savage cruelty? The human heart has depths from which schemes of unheard-of-ferocity sometimes emerge, capable of destroying in a moment the normal daily life of a people. But faith comes to our aid at these times when words seem to fail.
 Christ’s word is the only one that can give a response to the questions which trouble our spirit. Even if the forces of darkness appear to prevail, those who believe in God know that evil and death do not have the final say. Christian hope is based on this truth; at this time our prayerful trust draws strength from it.
 With deeply felt sympathy I address myself to the beloved people of the United States in this moment of distress and consternation, when the courage of so many men and women of good will is being sorely tested. In a special way I reach out to the families of the dead and injured, and assure them of my spiritual closeness. I entrust to the mercy of the Most High the helpless victims of this tragedy, for whom I offered Mass this morning, invoking upon them eternal rest. May God give courage to the survivors; may he sustain the rescue-workers and the many volunteers who are presently making an enormous effort to cope with such an immense emergency. I ask you, dear brothers and sisters, to join me in prayer for them. Let us beg the Lord that the spiral of hatred and violence will not prevail. May the Blessed Virgin, Mother of Mercy, fill the hearts of all with wise thoughts and peaceful intentions.”
 Invite family members and friends who have not worshipped with us in a long time to come back home here on Sunday. We need each other during this time of untold trial and  tears. “Why should I return to God in bad times when I wasn’t there with Him in the good times?” some are asking. “Why not?” is my answer. God bears no grudges. If it takes the death-dark valleys and the “terrors of the night” to bring us to our knees, so be it. It’s not hypocrisy to go to God in time of need. If the Prodigal Son had thought this way, he would have starved to death among the pigs. Of course, we do not know what direction this Son went when the party was over. Hopefully, however, he would never again wander as far from his Dad’s embrace. As we said last week, the return home was more than the boy’s “crutch.” It was his iron lung...Without the Father’s love that lad would have died.
 Speak words of love this week, and not hate. Be gentle and not violent with one another. “Let peace begin with me.”

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