Mychal Judge

(May 11th, 1933 – September 11th, 2001): A #FranciscanFriar and #Catholic priest who served as a chaplain for the #FDNY, #MychalJudge was born in Brooklyn to an Irish-American family. Following a dream to become a Franciscan friar from a young age, Judge became involved in many parishes across the Eastern seaboard before finally settling in #StFrancisOfAssisiChurch in #Manhattan, where he served until his death. A funny, lovable, and fierce friend to all who met him, Judge often would be found without his coat during cold NYC winters because he had given it away to the homeless. Throughout his life, he ministered to communities in need, notably the #LGBTQIA community, the homeless, and those infected with #HIV. Upon visiting a person dying of #AIDS who asked him if God hated him for being gay, Judge cradled the man and rocked him in his arms. Judge himself was gay, but hid this from many save his closest friends. In 1992 he became a chaplain for the FDNY and served the community well throughout the 1990s. On #September11th, he rushed to the #TwinTowers upon their attack, praying over the bodies of those killed before entering the lobby of the #NorthTower to continue praying and ministering to people’s spiritual needs. When the #SouthTower collapsed, he was killed instantly and was placed on the altar at the nearby #StPetersChurch. He was listed as the first casualty in New York on that day. In death, he was awarded around the world for his kindness and compassion and his funeral was attended by all those who loved him. His story is documented in #GlennHolsten and #BrendanFay‘s documentary #SaintOf911. #LGBTQIAPride