Posted on 10/04/2001 5:48:35 PM PDT by kattracks
NEW YORK (AP) - A cast iron "cross" found in the rubble of the World Trade Center has been adopted by rescue workers as a symbol of faith and blessed with holy water by a Franciscan priest.
The 20-foot tall cross, consisting of two metal beams, fell intact from one of the twin towers into a nearby building.
Laborer Frank Silecchia, 47, found the cross standing almost upright two days after the towers toppled Sept. 11.
"Some people will say it's velocity or physics that put it there. To me it's an act of God," said Silecchia, who cried for 20 minutes after his discovery.
Since then rescue workers have made pilgrimages to pray or meditate near the cross. Some etch messages on it. "God Bless Our Fallen Brothers," reads one tribute.
On Wednesday, workers hoisted the cross atop a 40-foot high foundation, formerly a pedestrian walkway. Construction workers, firefighters and police officers stood quietly by as the Rev. Brian Jordan blessed it with holy water.
"Behold the glory of the cross at ground zero," Jordan said. "This is our symbol of hope, our symbol of faith, our symbol of healing."
The workers prayed and sang God Bless America together before returning to work.
From the article:
A cast iron "cross" found in the rubble of the World Trade Center has been adopted by rescue workers as a symbol of faith and blessed with holy water by a Franciscan priest.
It's wonderful. I saw it this afternoon and was amazed.
Surely a place will be found for it in the new construction.
Thanks, Julie
When the woes of life o'ertake me,
Hopes deceive, and fears annoy,
Never shall the cross forsake me;
Lo, it glows with peace and joy.
When the sun of bliss is beaming
Light and love upon my way,
From the cross the radiance streaming
Adds more luster to the day.
Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure
By the cross are sanctified;
Peace is there that knows no measure,
Joys that through all time abide.
By John Bowring, 1792-1872
Hymn 101 in Lutheran Worship
No, actually, he's an Atlantan. Although he used to be a Cardinal. :-)
Silecchia said that he believed that the message of this cross is that faith will get us through this terrible attack and that good will triumph in the end.
I'm sure he's right.
Faith in God is #1
Faith in our fighting women and men is #2
#1 + #2=VICTORY!
Good morning to you, Julie.
Glad you know the difference. : )
Use him anytime you like.
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