The President, the Taoiseach and the US ambassador led a capacity congregation at the Ecumenical Service of Remembrance and Healing in the Pro-Cathedral yesterday.
The congregation, made up of politicians, members of the judiciary and diplomatic corps, and representatives of the security forces and public services, was welcomed by Cardinal Connell, the Archbishop of Dublin. He said the prayer of those present was "a petition to the goodness and kindness of God our Saviour at this moment of deep affliction".
He was accompanied by the auxiliary bishops of Dublin, Dr Eamonn Walsh and Dr Jim Moriarty, and representatives of six other Christian churches.
Dr Walton Empey, Archbishop of Dublin, gave the address. He said Tuesday September 11th, 2001, would remain embedded in our minds until the day we died.
As people watched the horror unfold, he said, "prayers flashed across international boundaries as all people of goodwill lifted their hearts to Almighty God for the American people and in particular the husbands, wives, children, fathers and mothers of those who lost their lives in the most appalling circumstances."
He said the prayers of the congregation must also be for those in leadership, and especially President Bush: "We can only guess at the huge pressures he has to endure by the holding of that office and for the terrible decisions that will inevitably confront him. We say in all sincerity, `May God help you to bear the burden that has fallen on your shoulders and on the shoulders of those who advise you, and may the Holy Spirit guide you through the labyrinth of difficulties that lie before you.' "
Representatives of other Christian churches participated: Ms Suzanne Hayes and Mr Charles Moriarty of the Society of Friends; Rev Tom Kingston of the Methodist Church in Ireland; Rev Alan Martin of the Presbyterian Church; Rev Michael Gogoleff of the Russian Orthodox Church; and Father Athanious George of the Coptic Orthodox Church.
The first reading, from Isaiah, was given by Mr Richard Egan, the US ambassador.
President McAleese read the intercessions, praying for those who bear the responsibility and exercise the authority of leadership. She also prayed they be directed by God's spirit so that justice and mercy might prevail, evil be averted and harmony be restored.
The Diocesan Music Group, led by Father Pat O'Donoghue, provided the music, including traditional Irish hymns on harp and violin. Shane Sugrue and Paul Connell of the Palestrina Choir sang "Se an tiarna m'aoire; ni bheidh aon ni de dhith orm".
The attendance included the Tanaiste, Ms Harney; Government Ministers Mr Cowen, Mr Dermot Ahern, Mr Dempsey, Ms Mary Hanafin, Ms Liz O'Donnell, Mr Eoin Ryan, Mr Tom Kitt; the Government chief whip, Mr Seamus Brennan; the Attorney General, Mr McDowell; and the Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin, Mr Eric Byrne. Former President Dr Hillery attended with his wife, Mrs Maeve Hillery, along with former Taoisigh Mr Liam Cosgrave, Mr Garret Fitzgerald and Mr Albert Reynolds. Opposition leaders Mr Michael Noonan and Mr Ruairi Quinn attended, as did the deputy leader of Fine Gael, Mr Jim Mitchell.
Also present were the Garda Commissioner, Mr Pat Byrne; the Chief of Staff, Lieut Gen Colm Mangan; and Dublin Fire Brigade and Aer Lingus personnel.