Mychal's Prayer:
"Lord, take me where You want me to go,
Let me meet who You want me to meet,
Tell me what You want me to say,
And keep me out of Your way.
Amen."
Father Mychal Judge, who was a Franciscan Father, is the subject of the film SAINT OF 9/11. He gave a lifetime of service as an image of Christ on earth. For example, requested to be transfered to Manhattan in the 80's, so that he could minister to AIDS patients, at a time when doctors and nurses were refusing to touch patients with "Gay Cancer". Later Mychal gave years of service as a Chaplain to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).
He performed numerous religious services (baptisms, masses, funerals) for FDNY personel. In additon, it was his custom to monitor the radio and go to the sites of major emergencies. He wanted to be with the people he served at the site of emergencies, to offer practical help, and prayer. And so on the morning of September 11, 2001, Father Mychal was at the emergency command center at the base of the North Tower of the WTC. He was offering prayers and aid to the injured, the dead, and rescuers, when he was killed by debris from the collapse of the South Tower.
The New Testement calls us to "Pray without ceasing ". Even ten years after his death in the attacks of 9/11, Mychal's prayer has not ceased. His prayer was not silenced by hatred, violence, or homophobia. I hope that this song may lift his prayer into our hearts, and from our hearts to God's. In Father Mychal's last homily he said: ".You have no idea what God is calling you to. But he needs you. He needs me. He needs all of us." Amen.
For more of Mychal's story watch SAINT OF 9/11 or it's trailer. If you like this song just send me a message and I'll send you a live recording of it.
This song is also dedicated to Alan Olivieri, MD. Estoy muy orgulloso de ti. Que descansas en paz, tio. Te quiero.
Music by Marcos de Jesús, arrangement by Marcos and Horace Beasley. Main track recorded at Trinity Lutheran Church at 100th and Amsterdam; where Horace is our intrepidly talented music director and I often play the drums. Text based on the personal prayer of Fr. Mychal F. Judge, OFM. Marcos: vocals. Horace: piano. Thanks to Horace for his wonderful playing and wide ranging lessons. Thanks to Horace and Marilyn for helping me learn how to pray in song in the Gospel tradition.
Thanks for Listening,
Marcos