Honoring Lives Lost and Heroes Among Us
In the Jesuit tradition of accompanying one another in times of sorrow and hope, all were invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Friday, Sept. 11, at Madonna della Strada Chapel to commemorate the 25-year anniversary of September 11, 2001.
"Twenty-five years after that terrible day, we continue to — and always will — remember those who tragically perished, including five alumni and 32 friends of the University who were related to students and graduates. They are memorialized on a plaque inside the Madonna della Strada Chapel," said University President Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S. J., in a message to the University community.
"The events of that day claimed the lives of thousands of citizens, first responders, military personnel and airline passengers and crew members. Here, at The University of Scranton, 9/11’s losses and lessons are forever part of our story." 
A Memorial Mass on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at Madonna della Strada Chapel commemorated the 25-year anniversary of September 11, 2001. Shown, from left, are University Chaplain Rev. Bret J. Stockdale, S.J., University of Scranton President Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., presider, and Superior of the Scranton Jesuit Community Rev. Joseph A. McShane, S.J., homilist.
Father Marina referenced the actions of Rev. Joseph A. McShane, S.J., Superior of the Scranton Jesuit Community, who at that time was serving in his fourth year as president of the University.
"For Rev. Joseph A. McShane, S.J., a native New Yorker, the tragedy was both pastoral and deeply personal. He reflected on the call to care for others and how the University responded to tragedy. In the weeks and months that followed, Father McShane traveled to numerous funerals and memorial services for graduates, family members and friends of the University. He immediately made plans to hold a September 12 Memorial Mass at the Byron Center, and he helped organize a Memorial Mass one month later at the Church of Our Saviour in Manhattan.
Father McShane has often spoken about The University of Scranton having its own culture, one shaped by faith, compassion, service and care for one another. While these values did not start with the tragedy of 9/11, they became even more visible and deeply embraced because of it."
Superior of the Scranton Jesuit Community Rev. Joseph A. McShane, S.J., is shown delivering the homily at The University of Scranton's 9/11 Memorial Liturgy at Madonna della Strada Chapel on Sept. 11, 2026. In 2001, Father McShane, a native New Yorker, was serving in his fourth year as president of the University and has often spoken about The University of Scranton having its own culture, one shaped by faith, compassion, service and care for one another.
“Scranton dealt with this great tragedy with the characteristics that marked it throughout time,” McShane said. “People looked out for one another. They sought one another out. They were pastoral with one another. We talk a lot about cura personalis, and this was a time when our students exercised the ministry of cura personalis with one another. If they knew that someone’s family was affected, they would not leave that young woman or young man alone. They would take care of them and make sure they were watched over.”
A Memorial Mass on Friday, Sept. 11, at Madonna della Strada Chapel commemorated the 25-year anniversary of September 11, 2001. Five alumni and 32 friends of The University of Scranton who were related to students and graduates are memorialized on a plaque inside the Madonna della Strada Chapel, shown.
"The events of that day claimed the lives of thousands of citizens, first responders, military personnel and airline passengers and crew members. Here, at The University of Scranton, 9/11’s losses and lessons are forever part of our story," said University President Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J.
'Royals Remember 9/11'
The University recently launched “Royals Remember 9/11,” a new initiative that will mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. As part of the project, the University will reintroduce “Making Meaning of 9/11,” a first-year seminar course taught by Teresa Grettano, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of English and Theatre, to help current students understand the multifaceted legacy of 9/11.
WNEP-16 spoke with Dr. Grettano recently about the course and her personal connection.
“Most of today’s students were born after 2001 and know 9/11 only as history,” Dr. Grettano said in an interview with Royal News. “Through both academic programming and broader campus initiatives, we hope to help students understand not only the events of that day, but also the profound ways they shaped our nation, our communities and our lives.”
The University of Scranton Leahy Distinguished Fellow in Public Service Bob Casey also shared his reflections in a recent interview with Royal News. Born and raised in Scranton, Sen. Casey has dedicated his life to public service. In 2001, he was serving as Pennsylvania’s Auditor General.
