Cops have no excuse to miss Sunday Mass

CATHOLIC cops on duty Sundays no longer have an excuse to miss Mass.

An Internet connection allows them to hear the “e-blue Mass,” especially for law enforcers, with the “blue” referring to the color of the Philippine National Police uniform.

Supt. Lucio Rosaroso Jr. of the PNP chaplain service said the e-blue Mass was designed specially for law enforcers, to bring the Word of God to those who have to answer the call of duty on Sundays.

It is not any different from the Catholic Mass said in church, though it is particularly dedicated to policemen. The concept originated in the United States.

“We live stream our regular 5 p.m. Sunday Mass for PNP personnel and their families and it can be viewed on my personal website, www.houseofspirituality.com. That’s why it’s an e-blue Mass,” said Rosaroso, who is known to his parishioners as “Father Onie.”

The e-blue Mass was initiated by his predecessor, Father Onie said, but he came up with the idea of live streaming it on the Internet in March when he was assigned to the St. Joseph Chapel in Camp Crame as base chaplain.

He said attendance at the chapel on Sun- days was usually full, but policemen on duty were often unable to hear Mass because of their job.

For the sick, wounded

“Even if they are at work or in the field, as long as they have an Internet connection, they can now listen to the homily. This is also for the sick and the wounded at our PNP hospital and those recuperating at home,” Rosaroso said.

On Sundays, the St. Joseph Chapel holds Masses beginning at 6 a.m. up to 9 a.m., then at noon and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with two Masses said at the PNP General Hospital and PNP Custodial Center.

It is the 5 p.m. Mass that is live streamed for on-duty policemen and others who may wish to hear Mass but are unable to attend physically.

On special occasions like the Feast of St. Joseph on March 19, a “general blue Mass” which includes an entrance of colors complete with a band and choir, and the exit of the colors at the end of the Mass, is held.

Rosaroso is active on social media with his own website, Facebook and Twitter accounts.

“I like social media. I see it as the way to reach out to the youth and especially to policemen who have their own social media accounts,” he said.