City of New York
Father Edward J Quinnan, SJ
Mount Manresa Jesuit Retreat House
239 Fingerboard Road
Staten Island NY 10305-3792
May 23, 2003
Dear Father Quinnan, S.J.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you once again for alll that Mount Manresa did for the workers at the World Trade Center Recovery Operation at Fresh Kills. Mount Manresa was present with us from September 2001 until we finished in August of 2002.
It was truly amazing to see yourself, Father Ryan, Sister Skelly, Sister Michniewicz, Father Quinn and Father King walk among the ruins of the World Trade Center and bring hope and consolation where there was so much despair.
I only had to tell Father Ryan that I had a group of workers processing the remains of the World Trade Center at Fresh Kills when he replied with a simple, “When do you want me there?” The fact that you never abandoned us speaks to the dedication of your clergy.
Another aspect of your ministry to the workers and the volunteers at the Staten Island Recovery operation was the room and board given to the hundreds of volunteers who came from around the nation to assist us in our time of need. When they arrived in the morning and when they left the site in the evening, they would always comment on how peaceful Mount Manresa was in comparison to their experiences of the day. the serenity and holiness of Mount Manresa helped to refresh these workers.
It is amazing how your clergy would always be “on the Hill” at the most appropriate of times. Your mere presence was so reassuring and the quiet ta;ks were so helpful. Thank you for bringing the presence and hope of God to the view of Hell.
James Luongo
Inspector