Blue Mass Explained

Holiday Name:Blue Mass
Type:Mass
Observedby:Catholics, Other Christians
Significance:Honor veterans of the Public Safety field
Date:Varies by community
Firsttime: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. 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.[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

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2014-12-26. PR - Blue Mass - ST. DAVID OF WALES Roman Catholic parish—El Cerrito, CA, Richmond, CA. 2020-09-29. https://web.archive.org/web/20141226070654/http://www.stdavidofwales.com/pr---blue-mass.html. 2014-12-26.
  2. Web site: Oakland police, firefighters honored at Blue Mass . Oakland North . 2014-10-14 . 26 December 2014.
  3. News: St. Pat's hosts Blue Mass for law enforcers. https://archive.today/20141226052629/http://union-bulletin.com/news/2014/sep/30/st-pats-hosts-blue-mass-law-enforcers. dead. 26 December 2014. Charnley Eveland. Annie. Walla Walla Union-Bulletin. The Seattle Times Company. 30 September 2014. 26 December 2014.
  4. Web site: With Prayers and Gratitude: The Blue Mass . Wuerl . Donald Wuerl . Donald . . 2014-05-14 . Cardinal's Blog . 26 December 2014.
  5. Web site: What is a Blue Mass? . Long . Carolyn K. . Angels Over America . 2011-08-05 . 26 December 2014.
  6. Web site: 20th Annual Blue Mass . St. Patrick Catholic Church. 2014-05-06 . 2014-12-26.
  7. Web site: Showing gratitude for those who serve . Saint David of Wales Catholic parish . 2014-09-22 . 2014-12-26.
  8. Web site: Blue Mass Honors Fallen Police and Firefighters . City News Group Inc. . 2014-10-24 . Colton City News . 26 December 2014.
  9. Web site: Msgr. Thomas B. Dade, was pastor in Riverdale . Baltimore Sun . 1994-11-17 . 26 December 2014.
  10. Web site: 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 . 2014-12-26 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141226070654/http://www.stdavidofwales.com/pr---blue-mass.html . 2014-12-26 . dead .
  11. https://www.nationalshrine.org/blog/st-michael-the-archangel-warrior-and-protector/ "St. Michael the Archangel: Warrior and Protector", Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

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