Cast Iron 'cross' Found in World Trade Center Rubble Gives Rescue Workers Hope

AP ^ | 10/04/01 | Shannon McCaffrey

[kattracks]

NEW YORK (AP) - A cast iron "cross" found in the rubble of the World Trade Center has been adopted by rescue workers as a symbol of faith and blessed with holy water by a Franciscan priest.

The 20-foot tall cross, consisting of two metal beams, fell intact from one of the twin towers into a nearby building.

Laborer Frank Silecchia, 47, found the cross standing almost upright two days after the towers toppled Sept. 11.

"Some people will say it's velocity or physics that put it there. To me it's an act of God," said Silecchia, who cried for 20 minutes after his discovery.

Since then rescue workers have made pilgrimages to pray or meditate near the cross. Some etch messages on it. "God Bless Our Fallen Brothers," reads one tribute.

On Wednesday, workers hoisted the cross atop a 40-foot high foundation, formerly a pedestrian walkway. Construction workers, firefighters and police officers stood quietly by as the Rev. Brian Jordan blessed it with holy water.

"Behold the glory of the cross at ground zero," Jordan said. "This is our symbol of hope, our symbol of faith, our symbol of healing."

The workers prayed and sang God Bless America together before returning to work.

[kattracks]

Father Brian Jordan, second from left, blesses, Thursday, Oct.4, 2001, a cross of steel beams found amidst the rubble of the World Trade Center by a laborer two days after the collapse of the twin towers. The cross was from World Trade tower One, and was found in World Trade building Six and moved to its present location Wednesday. Other rescue and construction workers join Jordan for the ceremony. (AP Photo/Pool,Kathy Willens)

[NovemberCharlie]

On Wednesday, workers hoisted the cross atop a 40-foot high foundation, formerly a pedestrian walkway.

That's good. If it's mobile, they ought to be able to save it from the wrecking ball.

[PadreL]

How appropriate that this be shown on Oct. 4, the feast day of St. Francis. The fire department chaplin was a Fransican priest.

[JulieRNR21]

I would hope that this miraculous cross is somehow incorporated in whatever memorial is created.

[Russell Scott]

Yep. When the windows of Heaven are poured out and hit the WTC, it will go from a burial ground to a resurrection reunion hall for the ex-victims. Oh yes, it may sound crazy, but folks, the ALMIGHTY has been holding back until "the fullness of time". Soon, resurrection parties will be more common than funerals. Wait, watch, and pray. And get ready to shout, laugh, and love in a way you never imagined. The "word made flesh" is getting ready to flood the earth.

[The KG9 Kid]

Start the petition.

[NativeNewYorker]

This answers one question I've had: What should go atop the TALLER replacement towers?

[Elenya]

It's so beautiful! I'm sure it will become part of the new WTC area.

God continues to bless America!

GandtheD

[Betteboop]

my thoughts exactly!!

[Goetz_von_Berlichingen]

When they finally set up a memorial to the NYPD and NYFD who gave their lives here, I hope this cross is a central (THE central?) part of it.

This photo should be distributed widely throughout the world, so that the minions of "allah" can appreciate the omen . . . and be very afraid, "for the Lord of Hosts is with us."

Deus vult!

[MarMema]

"This answers one question I've had: What should go atop the TALLER replacement towers?"

A very good idea. One that I like very much...

[StayoutdaBushesWay]

I would hope that this miraculous cross is somehow incorporated in whatever memorial is created.

Beware of the ACLU! If they get involved whatsoever I will fight them with everything I've got.

[BunnySlippers]

I wonder if the ACLU has the guts to attack this one!

[dbbeebs]

Beware of the ACLU!

Have they come out in favor of recycling the cross?

[Captainpaintball]

I would hope that this miraculous cross is somehow incorporated in whatever memorial is created.

Like I said earlier, If we want to assure they survive the wrecking ball, let's get together and BUY the crosses!!!

[OldFriend]

Did you know that Norman Siegel of the NY ACLU is running for consumer advocate. He came in second and will be having a runoff election October 11th. He has kept his evil mouth shut since the 11th. but look for him to speak up before much longer.

[livius]

I agree, very appropriate. I assume that Fr. Brian Jordan is also a Franciscan, probably from St. Francis of Assisi on 31st St. With God, there are no accidents.

[JulieRNR21]

FYI.......thought you'd want to see this....

[livius]

Oh, please, NORMAN SIEGEL? Tell me it ain't so...

[OldFriend]

Norman Siegel was in a dead heat with another candidate for second place. Then this morning I see he got second place and will be in a run off with Betsy Gotbaum. Pray for New York City.