Minneapolis Star Tribune Movie review: 'Saint Of 9/11' It was an indelible image of bravery and sacrifice following the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. The news photo showed the slumped body of the Rev. Mychal Judge, a much-loved fire chaplain, being carried from Ground Zero after courageously administering last rites to fallen firefighters. This is a loving and handsomely produced biography of Judge, a Franciscan priest of seemingly limitless wisdom, charisma, good humor and charity. A Brooklyn-born son of Irish immigrants, he was the kind of selfless Samaritan who would literally give the coat off his back to a needy stranger, regardless of race, social status or faith. There are several poignant scenes of him tending to his flock, and Ian McKellen movingly narrates excerpts from his sermons and journals, but most of the film consists of emotional tributes from friends and admiring parishioners. Judge was candid about the spiritual struggles he faced as a recovering alcoholic and a celibate gay clergyman, and his honesty and humility enabled him to reach many others. You come away agreeing with the fireman who said, "I just think God wanted somebody to lead the guys to heaven."
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