Open-Air 9/11 25-Year Remembrance Mass at Cemetery of the Holy Rood Draws Hundreds

More than 400 people gathered in solemn remembrance at the Cemetery of the Holy Rood in Westbury as Catholic Cemeteries of Long Island commemorated the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The outdoor Mass honored the lives of those who were lost on 9/11 and individuals, including first responders, who later passed away from 9/11-related illnesses.

Family members, first responders, clergy, elected officials and members of the Long Island community filled the grounds in and around the cemetery’s September 11 Memorial. The Mass provided an opportunity for families to remember their loved ones, pray together and gather with a community committed to preserving their memories. The Mass was livestreamed and is available to view on the Catholic Cemeteries of Long Island Facebook page.

Auxiliary Bishop Robert Coyle of the Diocese of Rockville Centre presided over the Mass and spoke warmly and passionately to family members and those gathered about remembrance, faith and the enduring importance of honoring those whose lives were lost. Supporting the Mass were five Catholic Cemeteries of Long Island deacons: Deacon Christopher Quinn, Deacon Chris Daniello, Deacon Brian Mannix, Deacon Ralph Muscente, and Deacon Fred Ferrara.
Also participating in the ceremony were the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Honor Guard, Nassau County Police Department Police Academy Ceremonial Unit, St. Anthony’s High School Celtic Friars Pipes & Drums and the Chaminade High School Vocal Chamber Ensemble.

“At Catholic Cemeteries of Long Island, we created this memorial as a solemn place where families, friends and others can come for prayer, remembrance and reflection,” said Richard Bie, CEO of Catholic Cemeteries of Long Island. “The names inscribed here ensure that those who lost their lives on 9/11 and from related illnesses will always be remembered.”

Elected officials attending the Mass included Town of Hempstead Councilmember Thomas Muscarella, Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé, Nassau County Legislator Rose Marie Walker, New York State Assemblyman Steve Stern, New York State Assemblymember Charles Lavine and Town of Hempstead Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll.

The Cemetery of the Holy Rood’s September 11 Memorial was erected in 2003 in the years following the terrorist attacks. The black granite memorial bears the names of those who died on September 11, 2001, as well as individuals who later passed away from 9/11-related illnesses. Over the years, additional names have been inscribed as families have sought to memorialize their loved ones.

In 2026, 50 names were added to the memorial, including 45 individuals who succumbed to 9/11-related illnesses and five who died on September 11, 2001. Approximately 640 names are now inscribed on the memorial. In front of the memorial stands the Pietà, depicting the Blessed Mother with Jesus following the Crucifixion and offering a symbol of sorrow, faith and the hope of resurrection.

Catholic Cemeteries of Long Island continues to add the names of individuals who passed away on September 11, 2001, and those who later died from 9/11-related illnesses, at no cost to families. Family members seeking to have a loved one’s name added are encouraged to visit the Catholic Cemeteries of Long Island website to obtain and complete the required application. Visit the Catholic Cemeteries of Long Island website www.cclongisland.org to learn more about the memorial and access the application form.

About Catholic Cemeteries of Long Island Catholic Cemeteries of Long Island serves individuals and parishes throughout the Diocese of Rockville Centre, providing sacred places for burial, prayer, reflection and remembrance. Its ministry supports the spiritual and physical needs of families before, during and following the loss of a loved one. Catholic Cemeteries of Long Island operates Cemetery of the Holy Rood in Westbury, Queen of Peace Cemetery in Old Westbury, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Coram and Queen of All Saints Cemetery in Central Islip.