Mychal Judge Irish Center honors respected 9/11 ‘first victim’

In commemoration of September 11’s first recorded victim

Akin to Judge’s mission, the center focuses on the role that reflection and reconciliation plays in developing a peaceful future and surpassing a history of conflict.

The center has also established links with the Corrymeela Community, a retreat center involved in reconciliation efforts in Northern Ireland.

In June 2010, students from SBU's Clare 401 University Forum course traveled to Ireland where they visited Belfast, Dublin, Galway, Mayo, Donegal, Derry, Ballycastle, and Larne. The group also met with several experts in the reconciliation process, as well as Franciscan Friars, university professors and political leaders.

Friends and colleagues of the Franciscan priest recall Judge’s fondness for his ancestral home. A former Franciscan friar and close friend of Judge, Brian Carroll recalled a trip to Ireland.

“Mychal was very proud of being Irish and he knew I had Irish in me so he insisted I take a trip to Ireland,” he told the Irish Voice.

“I was just looking at photos the other day or our trip. We went to a number of rectories and monasteries in Ireland,” he said.

Carroll spoke about Judge’s appreciation for his Irish heritage.

“He loved being Irish and he loved being able to get his passport.  As soon as he realized that was available to him, he got Irish citizenship.”

“He saw the human in it, he saw the suffering in it and saw the resilience of the people who had been through hell and back.”

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Nster.com