Several events will be taking place throughout the Diocese of Venice to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks on the United States in which nearly 3,000 people lost their lives.
Commemorations of the 9/11 anniversary are intended to remember those lost in the terror attacks, and in a particular way the first responders who sacrificed their lives to save others, while at the same time offering a public “thank you” to those who continue to serve the community as first responders.
The Diocese will be participating in the “Standing for Our Fallen 9/11 Twenty Five Year Commemoration,” at 5 p.m. Sept. 11, 2026, in Patriot Plaza of Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota. The commemoration will open with a procession of the Knights of Columbus Color Corps, clergy and the presenters.
Most. Rev. Frank J. Dewane, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Venice, will offer the invocation. From St. Jude Parish in Sarasota, Father Jiobani Batista, pastor, and Deacon Humberto Alvia will offer the Prayer of Condolences. Deacon Alvia will also present a St. Mother Theresa quotation for unity. The commemoration will include prayers, a tolling of the bell for the fallen, testimony of a 9/11 survivor, the placing of a wreath and prayers for peace and unity. All are welcome.
Earlier that same day, St. Peter the Apostles Parish, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples, will be hosting a 9/11 Mass of Remembrance at 8 a.m. The Mass has been held annually at the parish since 2002 for the 9/11 Families Association which includes former New York City firefighters and law enforcement as well as flight attendants and families of people who died in the collapse of the World Trade Center or the attack on the Pentagon. A piece of steel, which was cut from an I-beam support column at the World Trade Center and is in the shape of a cross, was presented to St. Peter the Apostle Parish in 2010 and is usually mounted on the wall behind the parish chapel altar. For the annual Mass, the steel cross is set out as a reminder of those lost.
The Fourth Degree Assembly 3862 of the Knights of Columbus of Ave Maria Parish, Ave Maria, will be hosting a 9/11 Patriot Day Ceremony following the 5 p.m. Mass on Sept. 11. The program begins at 6 p.m. and includes the singing of the National Anthem, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, 9/11 reflections, prayers for our nation and for peace, the playing of “Taps,” and the program will conclude with Eucharistic Adoration. All are welcome.
Two parishes will be hosting Blue Masses during the weekend to show gratitude and support for the men and women who serve the community. Join us as we gather and pray for all our first responders, active, retired and fallen, and their families. The Blue Mass at St. John the Evangelist, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples, is 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12; and the Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes, 1301 Center Road, Venice, is noon, Sunday, Sept. 13, and is presented by the Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Lourdes Council 9924.
Please check with your local parish to learn of additional 9/11 commemorations.
