By Julie A. Miller
Catholic Herald

Bishop presides at Cathedral prayer service

SUPERIOR -- On Sept. 14 Bishop Raphael M. Fliss presided at evening prayer in the Cathedral of Christ the King. The service was dedicated to the victims of the Sept. 11 attack on the United States.

The cathedral was nearly filled with people of all ages from a newborn baby to senior citizens, and from all of the parishes in Superior.

In his homily Fr. Daniel Dahlberg, cathedral rector, said, "Today is the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. The tree of our defeat became the tree of our victory. ... (Jesus) humbled himself to share in our humanity that we might share in his divinity."

Dahlberg linked the week's tragic events with the significance of the feast. "(Jesus) took on our human sinfulness to heal a bruised and a broken humanity. And we know in every sense how bruised and broken humanity is. We will remember that Tuesday -- something that shook not only us as Americans but people throughout the world."

Dahlberg recalled the Cuban missile crisis, when people prayed that there would not be a nuclear war, and the bombing of Pearl Harbor which is etched in people's memories. "Our memories will help us to understand that this, too, is a teachable moment. ... Jesus' way for humanity is the only way out of the senseless horror of last Tuesday."

The intercessions sung by cantor Paul Birch included prayers for the victims and their families, for the president and leaders of the country, and for the conversion to the way of peace of those responsible for the attacks.

In the closing prayer, Fliss said, "We stand before you mindful of our frailty, aware of life's brevity and a deep sorrow for those whose lives were so tragically taken from us. This is the mystery of the cross and we seek to understand it. Look with great mercy on us as we call out to you in our bewilderment and our fear."

People came to the service for a variety of reasons. Cathedral parishioners Helen Goligoski and Orlin Bellanger both came to give thanks that their families are safe. Goligoski said her son often traveled to the World Trade Center on business. Bellanger said she has relatives who travel a lot, including a cousin's daughter who is a flight attendant on American Airlines.

Bob and Lynn Malinoski, who are from Neenah, came to the service with Cathedral parishioners Greg and Sue Leszcynski. Bob Malinoski said "I had two years in the Peace Corps and two tours in Vietnam. I guess I'm looking for personal peace and peace in the world."

Lynn Malinoski said she wanted to share her sadness with other people and "really lift all of the people up in prayer who have lost loved ones in this terrible disaster."

Concern for the future is what brought Greg Leszcynski to the service. He said, "If there's anybody that's going to get us through this, it's going to be (God)."

There were also young families at the service. Kirk and Shannon Ilenda of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Superior were with their children Keegan, 10, Kyle, 9, and Noah, 3. Shannon Ilenda said she came to honor the victims and the people who are helping.

Kirk Ilenda added, "I think it's important that they (the children) come along to experience this."

See other related stories:

Son of Merrill couple among hundreds missing in New York

Local church reacts to terrorist attacks

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2001