<p><img alt=Fr Mychal Judge Plaque src=/sites/default/files/images/FrMychalJudge_0.png style=border-style:solid; border-width:5px; float:right; height:223px; width:200px />On National Coming Out Day Saturday October 11 a crowd gathered on Chicago&rsquo;s Halsted Street for a ceremony to unveil 7 new plaques in the Legacy Walk one of which was dedicated to Fr. Mychal Judge. Legacy Walk is the country&rsquo;s first outdoor LGBT museum and exists to recognize LGBT individuals and organizations that have been important in our history particularly those whose lives have sometimes been airbrushed of their sexuality.</p> <p>Dignity/Chicago led the effort to sponsor a plaque for Father Mychal. Gifts to support the sponsorship came from Dignity/Chicago DignityUSA Dignity/New York the Archdiocesan Gay and Lesbian Outreach of Chicago the LGBT Group at Old St. Pat&rsquo;s Parish in the West Loop and two anonymous sponsors. These gifts plus the support of over 50 individuals helped to raise over $10000.</p> <p>Fr. Mychal&rsquo;s ministry to&nbsp;Dignity/New York the firefighters of New York the poor the marginalized&nbsp;the people living with AIDS and the many individuals just struggling to understand their place in this world was informed by who he was as a gay man as a person in recovery as a Franciscan and as a man of exceptional faith.&nbsp;</p> <p>In the wake of publicity surrounding Fr. Mychal&rsquo;s death at the Twin Towers on 9/11 there were many who sought to downplay or bury his identity as a gay man as if recognizing his sexuality would slander the saintly man. It took a statement from the New York Fire Department fire chief who confirmed Fr. Mychal was gay before many could see the acknowledgement of Fr. Mychal&rsquo;s sexuality as an affirmation and an influence on his capacity for loving ministry.</p> <p>It is hoped that Fr. Mychal&#39;s life will serve as an inspiration for&nbsp;future generations&nbsp;and a&nbsp;recognition of so many whose selfless service has helped to bring&nbsp;healing to our world.</p> <p><strong>A Prayer to Fr. Mychal</strong></p> <p>You embodied the prayer of St. Francis.<br /> You were truly an instrument of the Lord&rsquo;s peace.<br /> Where there was hatred you brought love<br /> Where there was injury pardon<br /> Where there doubt faith<br /> Where there was despair hope<br /> Where there was darkness light<br /> And where there was sadness you brought joy.<br /> Fr. Mychal we are grateful for you life.</p>