Lake View East in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Fr. Mychal Judge
The Legacy Walk
"The Saint of 9/11"
(1933 - 2001)
– Fr. Mychal Judge
Fr. Mychal was a beloved priest who made his way through the streets of New York in his Franciscan robes and sandals at all hours of the day and night. Gregarious and mischievous, he had a knack for telling great stories and bursting into old Irish standards at the drop of a hat. As well-known to the city’s mayor as he was to the homeless and the hungry, Fr. Mychal was a streetwise pastor, counselor, and peacemaker very much in touch with human vulnerability. Families wanted their babies baptized by him; firefighters arranged their marriages according to his schedule; and many prayed that he would officiate their funerals – especially gay men dying from AIDS. He left a deep impression on all who encountered him. Fr. Mychal was a regular at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and often spoke about the gift of sobriety. He was also open about being gay with the friars whom he felt he could trust and his friends from the gay Catholic group Dignity/New York, though he lamented in his diary "I thought of my gay self and how the people I meet never get to know me fully." He served as Chaplain to the New York Fire Department, and was particularly close to the firefighters of Engine 1-Ladder 24, whose firehouse was across the street from the friary where he lived. They loved him for his encyclopedic memory of their family members' names, birthdays, and interests. On September 11, 2001 he was among the first responders to the site of the World Trade Center terrorist bombing. After declining an invitation to join city officials in a place of safety, Fr. Mychal entered the North Tower saying that he needed to be with his men. He was killed by falling debris after administering the Last Rites to a dying firefighter. For his heroism and dedication to the FDNY Fr. Mychal Judge was given the solemn honor of being designated Victim 0001 – the first recorded casualty of 9/11. Nicknamed “Saint Mychal,” he remains an inspiration to many, especially New York firefighters and LGBT Roman Catholics worldwide.
Erected 2014 by The Legacy Project.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the The Legacy Walk series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 11, 2001.
Location. 41° 56.803′ N, 87° 38.973′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Lake View East. Marker is on North Halsted Street south of West Addison Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3540 North Halsted Street, Chicago IL 60657, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Frida Kahlo (here, next to this marker); Alvin Ailey (a few steps from this marker); Ruth Ellis (a few steps from this marker); American Veterans for Equal Rights Military Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dr. Tom Waddell (about 300 feet away); Barbara Jordan (about 300 feet away); Two Spirit (about 400 feet away); Lorraine Hansberry (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.
Also see . . .
1. Father Mychal Judge: Beloved out gay priest was first recorded death of 9/11 (GoPride, Sep 11, 2021). (Submitted on September 17, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.)
2. Remembering Fr. Mychal Judge, first official victim of 9/11 (YouTube, 2 min.). America - the Jesuit Review's brief video tribute biography of Fr. Mychal Judge. (Submitted on September 17, 2021.)
3. News - 9/11 - Father Michael Judge - Tim Russert - NBC - 16 Sep 2001 (YouTube, 90 sec.). Tim Russert provides a brief tribute to Fr. Judge. (Submitted on September 17, 2021.)
Additional keywords. lgbtq
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 17, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 120 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 17, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.