Church to celebrate ‘Blue Mass’
BLACKSTONE – Police, fire and first responders throughout the Blackstone Valley will be recognized for their commitment and self-sacrifice at the 2nd Annual Blue Mass on Thursday at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Blackstone.
The “Blue Mass” is a tradition where police, fire and EMS responders of all faiths gather for a special celebration and blessing for their work on behalf of the community.
The Rev. Thien Nguyen will preside at the Mass, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the church, 630 Rathbun St.
Police, fire and emergency first responders from nine communities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island have been invited to attend the Mass to pay tribute to those individuals “who have done so very much to protect us in time of emergency,” said Constance D. Perreault, a parishioner and Eucharistic minister at the church.
“In these days of hurricanes, forest fires and acts of terrorism, it is more fitting than ever that we, as a community of faith, express our gratitude to those who go beyond the call of duty in keeping us safe,” said Perreault, adding retirees and families are also welcome to attend.
Police, fire and emergency medical personnel from Blackstone, Woonsocket, Bellingham, Cumberland, North Smithfield, Millville, Uxbridge, Hopedale and Mendon have all been invited to attend the Mass, which is open to people of all faiths.
The inspiration for the Blackstone Blue Mass comes from a long Catholic tradition in which the archbishop celebrates a Mass to honor and bless public safety personnel across the Archdiocese of Boston. Cardinal Sean O’Malley does it every year; this year’s Blue Mass in Boston was held Oct. 1 at St. Theresa of Avila Church in West Roxbury.
On Sept. 22, the Diocese of Providence held its second annual Blue Mass, which was presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Robert Evans and the Rev. Joseph Escobar, chaplain for the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association.
Many Catholic churches worldwide celebrate a Blue Mass annually for those employed in the public safety field, including police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, correctional officers and 911 operators. The service honors those who have died in the line of duty and those currently serving as first responders. The color blue is a reference to the blue-colored uniforms first responders generally wear.
The Blue Mass originated in 1934 when a Catholic Priest by the name of Thomas Dade from Baltimore initiated the Catholic Police and Firemen’s Society while stationed at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Washington, D.C.
About 1,100 police and firemen dressed in blue uniforms marched into St. Patrick’s Catholic Church for the celebration of the first “Blue Mass” on September 29, 1934. Since then, the “Blue Mass” has become a tradition in which the local community gathers to celebrate and thank those who serve their community as policemen and women, firefighters, and EMS responders as well as to offer prayers to God for their continued protection.