The Book of Mychal: The Surprising Life and Heroic Death of Father Mychal Judge

by Michael Daly

The inspiring story of New York Fire Department Chaplain Father Mychal Judge

His death certificate bears the number one. As chaplain to the Fire Department of New York, Father Mychal Judge was officially the first to go. A loving priest with a gift for the gab-gregarious yet humble, a healer with the ability to wipe away a widow's tears and put a smile on a fireman's face.

And on September 11th Father Mike rushed to the fires at the World Trade Center as quickly as those who fought them, losing his own life while tirelessly ministering to New York's bravest.

Father Mike recounts the colorful, astonishing and at times troubled life of a priest who saw the potential for good in everybody-in the homeless person he slipped a dollar to on the street; the alcoholic he sought to coax to an AA meeting; the early victims of AIDS he embraced and comforted; the troubled young men he visited in jail; and the thousands of firefighters he blessed as they rushed to their rigs answering the call.

Here was a priest who rejoiced in the life around him and understood that even the most terrible times present us with wonders-that good always arises from the bad in the most unexpected ways.

Or as Father Mike would say, "My God is a God of surprises."

In this touching book, author Michael Daly retraces the footsteps of Father Mike as his vocation takes us inside the firehouse, inside his friary and his Church, and inside the chaos that often befalls New York.

This is the tale of a larger than life priest who, in death, became a symbol of how much we truly lost that Tuesday in September. Father Mike is the inspirational story of a hero priest who blessed so many lives and will long be remembered by it.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, LGBT, Catholic, New York, Religion

400 pages, Hardcover

First published September 2, 2008

Reviews

[Debbie Zapata · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book after getting it from my Mom, who ordered it for herself but wanted to share.

On one hand it was a lovely tribute to Father Mychal Judge, who died on September 11, 2001. He was portrayed as a near saint, but also as a human being, and parts of the book were quite moving.

But I have to admit that I got distracted when I noticed something the author was doing. On September 11, 1948, the fifteen year old who would someday be Father Mychal left for seminary school. And on September 11, 1951, he passed from high school to college level at the school.

When he graduated and celebrated his first Mass as a new priest? There was a reception afterwards at the Brooklyn Heights Tower Hotel, ". . .so named for the twin towers atop the building."

Sigh.

At other times Father Mychal is shown staring out into the night, watching the construction at the site of the future World Trade Center. This type of thing is all right to a point, but when the reader begins to expect it, looks for it, says 'Oh, there you go again' every time another such reference comes up, and therefore loses the thread of the current chapter, then it is being used too much. At least in my opinion.

While it was interesting and touching to see the reality of Father Mychal's life, I won't be keeping this book. The writing style is too distracting for me to want to read it again. I am giving it to my local library.

[Neil Mudde · Rating 5 out of 5]

My interest in Father Judge stemmed from watching the documentary "Saint of 9/11" I had never ever heard of this person, and was amazed at his life and his involvement with persons of whatever background.
As gay man, I am not doubt predjudiced towards persons who may be sympathetic to other gay people,and if he was or was not is not all that important, the fact is that he cared for other human beings regardless, firemen hurt in fires, their families, people living on the street and coming for a handout at the St Francis of Assisi Church on 31st Street.
I found him to be a non b.s. person speaking his mind.
When the story deals with the events of the morning of 9/11 I could only take this in small doses, as it was horrific having described to me bodies falling on the ground.
Several weeks ago I had the good fortune to spend a week in New York, we stayed at a hotel on 31st and Broadway, I asked a friend if she had ever heard of Father Judge, off course she said, and by the way the Church and the fire hall are one block west of your hotel, so I had the oppertunity the get a sense of the place, in which he worked and the place he was buried from, making it so much more real, as was visiting "Ground Zero"
As a gay man I have little patience with any relgious organization who want to decide for me if I am or if I am not "worthy" of their respect.
We need more human beings like Father Judge, who are not afraid to tell it like it is, and foremost in their minds is to care for other human beings regardless of their background, and not simply be "talkers" of how one ought to live, but practice what they preach.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

On a bright sunny morning in 2001, many lives would be changed forever thanks to an incident in Manhattan, New York. Lives would be lost that day and beyond, and others would struggle (even still to this day). This book is about one of the victims of that tragic day, Victim #1, Fr. Mychal Judge.

This was a great biography of Fr. Mychal...from his upbringing in New York to his time in formation for the Franciscans, he later accepted the job as the Chaplain for the Fire Department of New York. We read of his rise to fame in New York for many walks of life....yet we also see his humble demeanor and his love for all.

Tragically on that day in September in 2001, even the events of the Twin Towers collapsing could not save him. One thought was he wanted this so he would welcome the fallen on their way to heaven....the many he got to know in his years in the great city of New York.

A very inspirational story of the life and tragic death of one of New York's hidden heroes.

[Pranav Behari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book about the "Saint of 9/11" Also a great look at the life of a priest and what's it like to be a Priest. It's crazy to see how many lives that Father Mychal Judge touched. I was very interested in his life after reading his wikipedia page. I thought it was interesting how Mychal Judge did AIDS ministry, worked with the homeless, alcoholics, and worked with firefighters and was also gay. That is such an interesting and diversified group of people to work with. That's what got me interested in reading this book. Mychal Judge was definietly a more progressive Priest, in the vain of James Martin. Which has its good sides and bad sides. The good side is that we accepting of everyone and willing to work with anybody. But on the bad side, he was also giving communion to people were gay (thus in sin). But nonetheless, I real admire Mychal Judge. He touched some many people and was friend to many in New York City. What also attracts to me Mychal Judge is how clearly he is a flawed person. He was an alochilic and he had a non-sexual but gay romantic relationship with another man. Priests are suppose to take a vow of chasitiy, and tho Mychal never had sex with the man, it was clear it was in a relationship with the gay, spending lots of time alone with him and going on trips with just the two of them and Mychal and his sister even helped the gay man pay for his tuition or bills or something. So clearly more than just a friendship. This was stopped the cause of his becoming a saint.
Also, it was interesting to see the dymanic and hostile relationship that Father Judge had with the Acrhbishop of New York. The book clearly paints the Archbishop as the bad guy and paints him bad every single time he is mentioned. It's fine to paint him as the villian, but it does get kinda annoying that every time the Archbishopy is mentioned, it is in a negative light. One example, is during the funeral of fallen firefighter that was a bad story throughout the country, Mychal Judge was asked to led the Funeral Mass, which mean the ArchBishop jealous because he wanted to be the one to lead it. But the family would not do the mass unless Father Mychal Judge was there and present. Thus Mychal Judge did the mass and towards the end, even Judge was about to give the final blessing, the archbishop comes up and says one last annoucment and has the child of the fallen firefighter come up on stage and says he hopes that one day the child will also be a firefighter and be brave like his fallen dad. The mother was shocked by this and didn't want her child to be a firefighter or end up dead like the father. But it was clear the archbishop did this just because he wanted attention on him. The Archbishop and Judge were also hostile to each other because of the gay stuff. Judge tried to support the gay community a lot and allow gay catholics to be part of the community, but the Archbishop was not having it. For example, during the St Patrick day parade, the gay Irish community was not allowed to attend and Archbishop was one of the people who pushed for them to not attend. But Mychal Judge was in support of them attending. Thus lots of tension there.
Father Mychal Judge entered the Francisian seminary at the age of 15 and went to a school on a island that was just a seminary. Reading the accounts, it seemed like an intense expereince to be on that seminary. It was very strict and hardcore. Seminary was no joke at all. Judge was assigned to St. Francis of Assisi Church in New York, and 2000 people would come every day for confessions. Thus lots of Preisets were needed to hear confessions. This kinda insane, the idea of a 1000+ people coming to aprish every day for confession. That doesn't happen unless its some type of special event like World Youth day. So we definietly don't live in that world where there is 2000 confessions a day.
Tho Catholics don't like the gays, the catholic hospitals were some of the first to open up hospitals just for AIDS patienets, at a time when many places were scared of folks with AIDS and shunned them away. Father Mychal Judge often did funerals for AIDS patients and gave last rites for many of them. This was extremely beautiful, since these were gay Catholic men who turned away from the Church, but Mychal came to them and accepted them and gave them last rites and communion, helping them on their jounry before they died.
Mychal Judge was also a former Alcoholic and he often attended AA meetings and helped folks there, because he knew what it was like to be an Alcoholic.
Mychal was also the Chaplain for the New York Fire Department. This was his biggest life's work. The firefighters loved him because he was one of the guys. It was interesting he was able to fit in so well, since that is such a masuline enviroment and he is gay. Mychal was actually deeply afraid the firefighters would found out he is gay and he would lose their rescpet. A couple times it was leaked to a few people that he was gay, but Mychal quickly put down or quiet these rumors (Mychal suspects the Archbishop is the one who would leak this) After his death, it was revealed he was gay and many folks couldn't believe. He just never gave off that energy.
Being a Chaplain for a Fire Department, esciapply like New York, must feel like Hell because you see so much death and misery all day long. Chaplain would go to any scene or fire that firefighters were at, helping either the firefighters or the viticms with any praying that was needed. This book felt like the movie "Bringing Out the Dead" with Nick Cage which is about a ambulance driver in New York. Where it feels like you are in this whole other world of death, that is the underbelly of New York and it just feels insane. That is what's like for Mychal Judge, he goes to these fire scenes and sees so much descrution and misery and he is expected to be Christ on Earth, helping and healing thru prayer and presence. He would big causlties sites like plane crashes and have to help 100s of folks with prayer and healing and hear how anger they are at God. Mychal would definietly be there for Firefighters who died or got injured while on the job. That was his #1 protizie as a Chaplain. Lots of Firefighters got hurt or killed in the line of duty and Father Mychal would always be there to help the families and the kids. It was a complicited situation, with Father Mychal having to stay hours at hospitals and visit families. I can't imagine the heartache and toil that must have been. He stayed friends with firefighter families for many years, even after the firefighter had died and was forgotten about on the news, Mychal would still see the families. Thru the eyes of a Chaplain, New York seems like a warzone.
Mychal also got to be friends with Clintons. One year, three firefighters died in one incident and it was a huge national story and President Bill Clinton visited the firehouse in NYC and got to meet Mychal. Later on during the Scandal, Mychal was invited to the white house and got to sit next to Hillary Clinton and became her friend. She liked Mychal he didn't bring up the cheating scandal, unlike other Priests who might have. Thus they became friends and they even attended Mychal Judge's funeral. Mychal Judge was always on the move as a Chaplain, he was basically working every day, going from one fire to an appointment to another fire all day long.
The Chaplain died during 9/11, at the time, he was praying inside the first building that got hit and was praying for the people outside that were jumping out of the window. He died when the building collapse and he was trying to run away. The firefighters and police who knew, were deeply sad that he died and on 9/11, found his body and returned it the Franscian brothers in their home parish.
This was great book and wonderful look at the life of Priest and how exhausting and demanding it. The book also explores how firefighters are almost like a religious order, which allows its memeber to drink and have sex. Firefighters are like other religious orders, there is a strong brotherhood and they focus on helping other people and going in danger to help people. Also shows how Priests are human beings just like us and they have rocky edges like anybody.

[George Matysek · Rating 2 out of 5]

Daly's writing, especially as he recounts the events of Sept. 11, 2001, is often moving and sometimes even poetic. The biography is weakened, however, by the author's obvious disdain for the institutional church, portrayed as obstinate, hypocritical and petty. In Daly's telling, New York Cardinal John O'Connor comes across as an almost cartoonish villain, while Father Judge is the gritty Franciscan who bucks the system for the greater good.

Daly gives a well-rounded portrayal of one of the most well-known heroes of 9/11, showing some of Father Judge's flaws and inner conflicts. Too bad that same nuanced approach wasn't applied to those whom Daly sees as some of the 'bad guys' of this story.

[Sister · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had heard of Father Mychal Judge at the time of his death, but didn’t know his life story. I enjoyed reading about he came to his vocation as a priest, as well as how he lived it out. I wish there had been more from the friars with whom he lived. He lived in community, yet his ministries seemed to pull him away from community, and there wasn’t much discussion of that conflict. The book was written in the style of “his date with destiny”, so September 11 2001 was the overarching theme. What was he doing on September 11 1996? And so on. That got to be annoying. I don’t know any firefighters, so I was glad to be introduced to them and their occupation. It also put flesh on the ones who died September 11.

[Barb · Rating 1 out of 5]

Because I personally know some of the people and places mentioned in this book, I know that there were errors in the research. That, along with the rather obvious axe Mr. Daly has to grind with the Catholic Church, reduced his credibility as a biographer.

[Mediaman · Rating 2 out of 5]

This overly long book is more about firefighters than the inside story of an average priest. The author works his hardest to turn Father Mychal Judge into a saint, then at the end of the book claims it was his human frailties and weakness that made him a hero. The problem is that we don't really see many human frailties beyond it being hinted that he was in a gay relationship with someone 35 years younger. All of it is very unsatisfying, and unless you love to read tragic stories about firefighters there isn't enough in this unorganized book to recommend it.

Daly goes out of his way to include snarky stories and comments that slam the Catholic Church and those Father Judge silently disagreed with. In some ways the writer (who claims that Judge was his "spiritual director") is standing up when the priest failed to do so. The author tries to make Judge's rebellious nature out to be heroic, but the obvious question that doesn't get answered here is why the priest would remain in a Church he disagreed with or at least risk getting kicked out of it by living what he believed. He often did the opposite of what the Church taught, including recommending a couple live together before marriage and of course supporting homosexuality.

There are head-scratching parts of this "biography" where a major life problem occurs (hospitalization, illness, etc.) and only a sentence or two is devoted to it. But then dozens of pages are devoted to the stories of firefighters hurt in the line of duty or helped by Judge. The author thought it important to include detailed stories of others while skimping on what really happened in Judge's life beyond his daily appointment book.

The weakest part of the book is the unwillingness of the author to dive deep into what really happened between the priest and the much younger "friend" named Al. They were together often on weekend trips, a one-week vacation in England, and quiet dinners in NYC. Using Judge's diaries and appointment books, the author even has the number of their visits confirmed, at times being an entire day. It's odd to read "Judge only saw Al a dozen times in eight weeks." That's once or twice a week, and plenty can happen between two men during those meetings.

Daly claims Judge remained celibate the entire ten years of the relationship, but what the heck does the writer think the two of them were doing together? Just talking and eating? How naive can he be? I have known many priests personally and regularly taking trips together where you both sleep in the same bedroom or spending entire days together is all the evidence you need. It would be absolutely shocking if there wasn't some type of physical relationship between them.

Meanwhile Daly praises gay groups, loves the Clintons, slams some politicians, and stereotypes firefighters as redneck racist homophobes. For supposedly being an objective journalist the book is filled with the writer's lop-sided pro-Democrat views. That may reflect Judge's private beliefs, but don't publish a book pretending to be objective when it's being used to slam tradition and conservatism.

In the end I admired Judge (who went through four first names in life) for his compassion toward others, but he is hardly the Christ figure the author paints him to be. (Yes, at times the writer claims Judge's Christlikeness may be greater than Mother Teresa's or the Pope's!) Yet it's hard to respect someone who fails to stand up for his own truths to his superiors and co-workers or live a consistent public/private life.

Judge had two distinct sides and despite what the author tries to claim the priest was never successful bridging the two, having physical repercussions and severe anxiety as he aged. He used his clerical garb to give him authority over others and bring love to people, but in truth he may have been more effective and personally at peace if he would have lived an honest, 0pen life. While this book may have been a friend's way of pulling the two sides of the man together, it was poorly organized and edited, and left many questions unanswered.

[Damien Faughnan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to read a good biography of Mychal and this was one of two options.
This is a very decent book with a few gaps.

First a few disclaimers:
- I’m Irish and was born/raised in the same county as Fr. Judge’s parents.
- I emigrated to the US almost 30 years ago and have spent a huge amount of time in New York.
- I’m gay.

I think the author does a really great job of balancing a report of the complexity of Judge’s life. A man who’s father died when he was a child. A tough mother. Religious formation in a system that no longer exists. His drinking, a shamrock tattoo on his butt, his ministry to people with AIDS (author uses “AIDS victims” which is widely considered offensive).

Much later in the book, the author speaks about the Judge as “a friar.” I have no doubt that Judge’s life was greatly influenced by his father St. Francis.

Much of the book is spent re-telling stories of his ministry as F.D.N.Y. Chaplain. Yet it under-tells the story of how Judge ministered to people with AIDS. This was a time when doctors were afraid to treat people with AIDS. This required so much courage and I wanted to hear more. I wonder if the author couldn’t have explored this further. If you look at the history of Saints, they almost always ministered to the poor and destitute. It is so deeply Franciscan and Christian. I would have loved to hear if Fr. Mychal’s confreres were interviewed for the book.

I think the author bravely addresses Judge as a gay man. I think he does a great job at story-telling his ministry as F.D.N.Y. Chaplain. He has some great stories. However his time with FDNY accounted for only 25% of his priesthood.

For Irish people, the characterization of Ireland is truly cringe-worthy. It is quintessential Irish-American. If you are Irish (aka born in Ireland) you’ll have to skim his characterization of visits to Keshcarrigan and Northern Ireland.

Overall a decent book. The author writes well and clearly did his research. Perhaps he did not have access to the full story of his life.

[J.G. Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew Father Mych and met with him several times in the Pre-Cana conferences leading up to our taking our vows. He was a remarkable, open, generous, and gregarious man. (The eulogy delivered by his friend at his funeral is a remarkable, often funny, testament of his life. It can be found online, at least the text.)

Nevertheless, I never knew that he was an actual firefighter. I had assumed that his duties as an FDNY chaplain were limited to comforting families on a loved one's death or injury or simply attending to the spiritual needs of our firefighters.

Far from it. Father Mych was on site and at the ready, including on 9-11, which cost him his life. He was famously designate casualty "0001"on that horrible day, with some observing so that he could be the pathfinder for the other 2,995 who would parish that at that site.

If you can get through this ode to Father Mych's amazing, wonderful, life without shedding a tear -- or even outright bawling -- you are a stronger man than I am and I rarely cry. ,

[Joanna Tierno · Rating 5 out of 5]

A significant book for every American to read especially around the anniversary of 9/11. Never Forget means continuing to learn from and think about all the souls lost on 9/11 and later from 9/11-related illness. Following the life of Mychal Judge will make you think about so many things more deeply even outside of the horror of 9/11. Every time you hear briefly of news that a fireman was injured or died, you will understand the courage and the suffering involved. It should get more people to think about fire safety as not just something you do for yourself and your family, but also something you do to protect the lives of firemen who deserve to go home to their families uninjured. Have a smoke detector & replace those batteries! Don't smoke in bed.
Anyone LGBTQ plus who feels alienated by the church or religion will also get something from this book. There are so many life lessons in this book that I won't touch on them all but I am glad to have found this book and hope others pick it up too.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

The subject was an incredible man-who can inspire anyone to be a better person. He truly encapsulated the positive aspects of religion, such as caring and inclusion, while denouncing the negative aspects. He had the greatest respect for his employer, the fire department, and seemed to consider firefighters as holy as any clergy. I enjoyed learning how he wasn't a perfect man-carrying on a relationship outside the church, and his seeming regret over not having children.

The book could have been better written, however. Some passages, such as on 9/11, we're confusing. Additionally, he mentioned his disdain for the Cardinal-I would have liked to hear more from his side and what inspired the disdain (other then jealousy, it seems).

[Debra Fetterly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book about an incredible man. Father Mychal Judge, FDNY chaplain, was the first identified victim of the 9/11 disaster. I recall the photograph of this kind and gentle man being carried out of the rubble by his beloved firefighters. When I saw this book in my local library I was moved to read it, and I'm so glad I did. It is an extremely well written book and I enjoyed it so much I purchased a copy of the book to share with friends. Highly recommend.

[Shaun Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read

The Book of Mychal tells the story of Father Mychal Judge the FDNY Chaplain who was killed on 9/11 the book will make you cry many times but will make you wish you had met Mychal

[JP Rotchford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful book. I think if Mychal Judge’s story often. A well documented story of a true saint.

[Jill]

Fr. Mychal Judge lived the life of Jesus, by loving all and seeing Jesus in each person he met. He saw the good when many didn't see any good in people. Very inspirational to know what is possible to live.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Father Mychal Judge was a Catholic priest who followed the basic tenets of the religion but never let his religion's beliefs hinder his love of all people. He ministered to the poor and those with AIDS even as the pope condemned gay people. His joy of life and love of people brought many people to the God he loved and worshipped his whole life. He always wanted to help people and ease suffering wherever he could. He became associated with the FDNY and it brought him joy to be a part of the brotherhood and support the men and their families. He was great friends with Mayor Rudy Guiliani but had powerful enemies in the Catholic church. He was at the twin towers on 9/11 with the FDNY and was killed. He was loved and helped many people in his life.

[Marianne Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there is ONE BOOK you should read before you die - it is this book. I don't care if you are Jewish or Lutheran or Muslim - READ THIS BOOK.

Mychal Judge is what other Catholic priests should strive to be. This book blew me away in a manner that no other book has ever done before.

If I would have known about Mychal Judge when I was in New York in 2009, I would have done my best to find out where he was buried.

Mychal Judge did not die from injuries sustained in 9/11 - he died, they believe from a heart attack - when they tower fell. His was the first death certificate written and it is said that he welcomed every other fire fighter into heaven.

Please - even if you don't believe in God - READ THIS BOOK - it will change your life - it did mine.

[Ela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not much on the catholic church per se, but I'm met many wonderful priests that didn't always follow the Vatican's rules in regards who they should minister to and who not. Reading this book I wish I had met Father Mychal. He was a rebel that loved God and all mankind. It's tough reading this book without constantly crying.

[Christopher Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of an incredible man. I know someone who was a friend of his, and the stories she tells of him are completely consistent with the man portrayed in this biography. He was a real person who touched people in a very real way. Both his life and his death at the Twin Towers reflect a story of a man who loved his God and loved people in a genuine way.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In spite of the fact that it took me 3 months to finish this book--& that I put it aside for a spell--I REALLY loved learning about Father Mychal Judge! I appreciated getting to know his very human side, just as much as his very saintly side. I will always remember this "marvelous" man, with his "generous heart that knew no bounds."

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried, in so many places. A human being unafraid to admit to weakness, but continue to move on. He gave so many gifts; heart, time, ear, etc. That we should each be the kind of person this person was.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Father Mychal Judge was an amazing man. Those who knew him must have been truly blessed. He is an inspiration. I didn't want to finish the book as if somehow that would change the outcome.

[Deb Weina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that belongs in every House of Formation.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing man.

[Aimee Goldmeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring story of one man's legacy as a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, God, & the Holy Spirit.

[Mw · Rating 5 out of 5]

inspiring...

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it.