BNI junior Carly Sanchez with her family following the Blue Mass.
Blue Mass honors police, firefighters
Bishop Noll celebrated its Blue Mass April 12 to honor the service and sacrifices of police and firefighters in the community.
BNI chaplain Father Kevin Scalf, C.PP.S celebrated the Mass and spoke about St. Michael, patron saint of police officers, and St. Florian, patron saint of firefighters.
"And as first responders like police officers and firefighters and emergency personnel - you our guests here today, like guardian angels defend others from harm and evil and distress."
He continued, "we honor you all. We honor your comrades both living and deceased for your commitment, your service and your sacrifice. The good work you do is not often mentioned in papers or on the evening news but as public servants, you take into practice this kind of sacrifice and daily place yourself in harm's way in performance of your duty."
Father Kevin explained that their mission of service has been recognized by the Catholic church in this yearly Blue Mass, which dates back to 1934 in Washington, D.C.
"What you do in your vocation is a holy calling ... it invites all of us, especially these young men and women today, to continue following your examples in ways of serving our local communities."
A prayer of blessing for firefighters and police officers:
Dear Lord, God of mercy: We thank you for all the firefighters and policemen in our communities who bravely serve to protect us from harm. Send down your blessings to these your servants, who so generously devote themselves to helping others. Grant them courage when they are afraid, wisdom when they must make quick decisions, strength when they are weary and compassion in all their work. For those who have given their lives, we ask that their families are healed and protected from more harm. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Local police officers and firefighters attended Bishop Noll's annual Blue Mass April 12.
BNI Chaplain Father Kevin Scalf C.PP.S. prays for the special guests.