On this day of remembrance for all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, it is a good moment to reflect on loss and grief.

​When we suffer trauma or loss, we are stunned and can become numb. After the initial shock wears off, we can experience stress, disorientation, anger, anxiety, and depression. We can also fall into self-blame. 

We all adopt various coping mechanisms, some healthy and others unhealthy. We may think and say things like, “I just want to move on” or “I’m ready to put this whole thing behind me.” But you can’t just move on. You have to deal with it. Physical wounds get worse and can become life-threatening if you ignore them. Emotional wounds respond in exactly the same way. So do psychological and spiritual wounds.

​And you can’t just put the whole thing behind you. It’s part of who you are now. You may be able to control your emotions for a time, but grief affects the whole person: physically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. 

Saint Paphnutius was horribly tortured during the Christian persecutions of the fourth century. He survived, but that did not mean recovery was easy.  

Paphnutius was one of the Desert Fathers in Egypt under the mentorship of Saint Antony the Abbot (see January 17). However, he was dragged out of the desert when the Roman Emperor Maximinus II had him arrested. His persecutors gouged out his right eye and permanently crippled his left leg. Eventually, the persecutions came to an end under a new emperor, and Paphnutius was made a bishop.

The process of grieving his losses was undoubtedly painful for Paphnutius. But this unexpected and unwelcome turn his life had taken did not deter him from moving forward. Instead, it deepened his faith and reliance on God.

Saint Paphnutius went on to play a significant role in the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. He died around the year 360.

When horrible things happen to us, we want to believe that there is a proper way to deal with the experience, to process it, to heal from it. Maybe there is and maybe there isn’t. One thing is for sure and that is this: It is messy. But God isn’t afraid to enter into our messes if we let him.

Today, let’s remember all those who lost their life on September 11, 2001. Let’s pray for everyone suffering from the grief they feel on that day. Let’s grieve with them, and let’s pray together.



Feast Day: September 11

Feast Day Shared By: Blessed Bonaventura of Barcelona, and Saints Protus and Hyacinth

Also Known As: Paphnutius the Confessor