A Blue Mass is a Mass celebrated annually throughout the United States[1] in the Catholic Church for those employed in the "public safety field" (i.e. police officers, firefighters, correctional officers, 911 operators and EMS personnel).[2] The color blue relates to the blue-colored uniforms predominantly used by these services.[3] Similar to the Red Mass, the service honors those who have died in the line of duty and those currently serving as first responders.[4] The Mass is an opportunity for the community to show gratitude to first responders and their families.[5]
| Blue Mass | |
|---|---|
 Blue Mass at St. Patrick's Catholic Church (Washington, D.C.) | |
| Observed by | Catholics, Other Christians |
| Significance | Honor veterans of the Public Safety field |
| Date | Varies by community |
| First time | 1934 |
Background
editIn Washington, D.C., the service is held in conjunction with National Police Week.[5] Psalm 91:11, "For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service]," are often invoked during the service.[5][6] Though usually held in a Catholic church, non-Catholics are generally invited to attend.[7]
The Blue Mass dates to September 29, 1934,[8] when Rev. Thomas Dade started the service as part of his duties with the Catholic Police and Fireman’s Society.[9] The first Mass was held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Washington, D.C., and has grown to a nationwide celebration.[10] The September 29 service was timed to coincide with Michaelmas, the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel, the patron military saint of police officers and military.[11]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "PR - Blue Mass - ST. DAVID OF WALES Roman Catholic parish—El Cerrito, CA, Richmond, CA". 2014-12-26. Archived from the original on 2014-12-26. Retrieved 2020-09-29.
- ^ "Oakland police, firefighters honored at Blue Mass". Oakland North. 2014-10-14. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
- ^ Charnley Eveland, Annie (30 September 2014). "St. Pat's hosts Blue Mass for law enforcers". Walla Walla Union-Bulletin. The Seattle Times Company. Archived from the original on 26 December 2014. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
- ^ Wuerl, Donald (2014-05-14). "With Prayers and Gratitude: The Blue Mass". Cardinal's Blog. Archdiocese of Washington. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
- ^ a b c Long, Carolyn K. (2011-08-05). "What is a Blue Mass?". Angels Over America. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
- ^ "20th Annual Blue Mass". St. Patrick Catholic Church. 2014-05-06. Retrieved 2014-12-26.
- ^ "Showing gratitude for those who serve". Saint David of Wales Catholic parish. 2014-09-22. Retrieved 2014-12-26.
- ^ "Blue Mass Honors Fallen Police and Firefighters". Colton City News. City News Group Inc. 2014-10-24. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
- ^ "Msgr. Thomas B. Dade, was pastor in Riverdale". Baltimore Sun. 1994-11-17. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
- ^ "LOCAL PARISH HAS "BLUE MASS" TO HONOR AND PRAY FOR FIRST RESPONDERS: POLICE, FIRE AND MEDICAL". Saint David of Wales Catholic parish. 2014-09-01. Archived from the original on 2014-12-26. Retrieved 2014-12-26.
- ^ "St. Michael the Archangel: Warrior and Protector", Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
External links
edit
- "Blue Mass, A Celebration of Law Enforcement". The Catholic Diocese of Trenton. 2014-11-30. Archived from the original on 2014-12-26. Retrieved 2014-12-26.
- Upadhye, Neeti (2014-10-26). "Blue Mass honors Pierson, area police". Democrat and Chronicle. Retrieved 2014-12-26.