St. Michael, the patron saint of police, honors those New York police men and women who died and also those who aided in the rescue in the aftermath of 9/11.

The overall concept of the Catholic Memorial at Ground Zero was the brainchild of Father Kevin Madigan, then Pastor of St. Peter's Church who administered St. Joseph's Chapel.  The Chapel had been damaged following the fall of the twin towers, and Father Madigan seized the opportunity of honoring those who died and took part in the recovery effort as the Chapel was renovated.  The idea of the commemorative saints and the underlying theme of life coming from the seed that dies in the ground (John 12:24), incorporated in the baptismal font, altar and window behind the altar all came from Father Madigan's prayerful planning.  The concept was executed by Lawrence Hoy of Renovata Studios.  

John Collier was chosen as the chief sculptor and created the patron saints of police, firefighters, workers plus a Mary Magdalene sculpture representing the Chapel theme, Resurrection, as she was the first witness to the Resurrection.  This sculpture is one of four by Collier to receive the coveted Optimé Award by Ministry and Liturgy.

In early 2018, as St. Peter's Chapel was closed, the four Ground Zero sculptures by John Collier were relocated to the portico of St. Peter's Catholic Church, the oldest Catholic Parish in New York State, also very near Ground Zero.