Blue_Mass

Blue Mass

Blue Mass

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This article is about the Roman Catholic Blue Mass for law enforcement professionals. For the obsolete medical preparation, see blue mass.

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]

Quick Facts Observed by, Significance ...

Background

In 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

References

  1. [1]
    "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.
  2. [2]
    "Oakland police, firefighters honored at Blue Mass". Oakland North. 2014-10-14. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  3. [3]
    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.
  4. [4]
    Wuerl, Donald (2014-05-14). "With Prayers and Gratitude: The Blue Mass". Cardinal's Blog. Archdiocese of Washington. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  5. [5]
    Long, Carolyn K. (2011-08-05). "What is a Blue Mass?". Angels Over America. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  6. [6]
    "20th Annual Blue Mass". St. Patrick Catholic Church. 2014-05-06. Retrieved 2014-12-26.
  7. [7]
    "Showing gratitude for those who serve". Saint David of Wales Catholic parish. 2014-09-22. Retrieved 2014-12-26.
  8. [8]
    "Blue Mass Honors Fallen Police and Firefighters". Colton City News. City News Group Inc. 2014-10-24. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  9. [9]
    "Msgr. Thomas B. Dade, was pastor in Riverdale". Baltimore Sun. 1994-11-17. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  10. [10]
    "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.
  11. [11]
    "St. Michael the Archangel: Warrior and Protector", Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
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