September 13, 2002

One year after the tragedy that struck New York, Washington, DC, Pennsylvania and affected Boston and the country as a whole, people from around the world gathered Wednesday to remember and commemorate the anniversary of those tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. MGHers united in the O'Keeffe Auditorium for a memorial service that offered prayer, interfaith readings and poems to remember those who lost their lives and to honor the courage and patriotism the nation has experienced this past year.

"We come together today seeking strength and comfort," said the Rev. Mary Martha Thiel, director of the MGH Chaplaincy. "All of us come today in peace. In Ghandi's words, 'We seek to be the change we wish to see in the world.'"

The memorial service was sponsored by the MGH Chaplaincy and gave MGHers the opportunity to reflect on the impact of these tragedies. The ceremony included chaplains from different faiths that are represented throughout the MGH community, including Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist.

The service also featured readings and prayers from Peter Slavin, MD, chairman and chief executive officer of the Massachusetts General Physicians Organization; Jeanette Ives Erickson, RN, MS, senior vice president for Patient Care Services and chief nurse; and Andrea Stidsen, director of Partners Employee Assistance Program and Work/Life Resources.

The service was teleconferenced to the MGH health centers and the Institute of Health Professions. Additional services were held at CNY.

MGH Chaplaincy staff and hospital leadership pose under the peace banner after the service.