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Blue Mass

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Blue Mass
Blue Mass at St. Patrick's Catholic Church (Washington, D.C.)
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

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]

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. Back to citation "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. Back to citation "Oakland police, firefighters honored at Blue Mass". Oakland North. 2014-10-14. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  3. Back to citation Charnley Eveland, Annie (30 September 2014). "St. Pat's hosts Blue Mass for law enforcers". Walla Walla Union-Bulletin. The Seattle Times Company. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  4. Back to citation Wuerl, Donald (2014-05-14). "With Prayers and Gratitude: The Blue Mass". Cardinal's Blog. Archdiocese of Washington. Archived from the original on March 11, 2016. Retrieved December 26, 2014.
  5. Back to citation occurrence 5.0 Back to citation occurrence 5.1 Back to citation occurrence 5.2 Long, Carolyn K. (2011-08-05). "What is a Blue Mass?". Angels Over America. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  6. Back to citation "20th Annual Blue Mass". St. Patrick Catholic Church. 2014-05-06. Retrieved 2014-12-26.
  7. Back to citation "Showing gratitude for those who serve". Saint David of Wales Catholic parish. 2014-09-22. Retrieved 2014-12-26.
  8. Back to citation "Blue Mass Honors Fallen Police and Firefighters". Colton City News. City News Group Inc. 2014-10-24. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  9. Back to citation "Msgr. Thomas B. Dade, was pastor in Riverdale". Baltimore Sun. 1994-11-17. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  10. Back to citation "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. Back to citation "St. Michael the Archangel: Warrior and Protector", Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
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