Mychal Judge prayer cards
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Edit: Mychal Judge prayer cards are now available! Please visit gritchenwitch.com to learn more and purchase.
I created a prayer card for Mychal Judge, American Franciscan friar and chaplain to the New York City Fire Department. He was killed while serving, becoming the first certified victim of the September 11 attacks.
Fr. Mychal led an exceptional life and was well-known in the city for ministering to the homeless, recovering alcoholics, immigrants, and the sick and injured. He worked with St. Clare's Hospital to open the city's first AIDS ward and was an advocate for gay rights throughout his life. I couldn’t begin to capture all of his altruism in an Instagram caption, but if you haven’t read about him, I recommend a quick Wikipedia run—he’s remarkable.
Due to his character and extensive good works, he’s a patron of first responders and their loved ones, New Yorkers, those estranged from the church, the LGBTQIA+ community, the poor, and the oppressed, among others.
I’ve been pulled to create this card for a while and am happy to have it for the new year. I think about Fr. Mychal often, especially when things are particularly scary. Like Michael the Archangel, he’s the embodiment of a protector, but since he was here with us so recently, there’s still such a deep sense of his character and impact.
I’ll include more symbolism in my stories today (and in the ‘prayer card’ highlight in my bio if you miss it), but I included the city skyline and Fr. Mychal’s NYFD chaplain’s helmet. Chuck suggested that I add the World Trade Center cross in the background. On the back (swipe to see) I also included Fr. Mychal’s prayer and the words he called out to Mayor Giuliani as he rushed to the North Tower: “I always do! I always pray for you!”
Patreon—I’ll still be mailing the Lady of the Snows cards automatically, but if you’d like me to swap out your card for a Fr. Mychal, please send me a note! I have a small batch of both available now for purchase in the patron-only shop (see the most recent post over there for more details).
Have a wonderful weekend!🖤