2022 Blue Mass

2022 Blue Mass

Sunday, September 18, 10 a.m.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
307 Congress Street, Portland

Local, state, and federal law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency personnel, and all in public safety will be recognized for their faithful commitment and self-sacrifice at the Blue Mass on Sunday, September 18, at 10 a.m., at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on 307 Congress Street in Portland. Bishop Robert Deeley will celebrate the Mass, and a multi-jurisdictional honor guard will post the colors. Representatives from public safety agencies will serve as the readers at the Mass. People of all faiths are encouraged to participate in person or via livestream (www.portlandcatholic.com/livestream-liturgies) as the diocese shows its gratitude to these dedicated heroes. 

“We gather for the Blue Mass to honor those who serve the community by providing safety and protection in Maine,” said Bishop Deeley. “These calls to public safety confer an incredible responsibility and, at times, are taken on at a profound personal price which can even include the ultimate sacrifice. We will thank God for this service and remember the brave who have given their lives in the name of duty and honor. The common good is strengthened by the unconditional way in which these first responders accept their responsibility. This, we must never forget.”

2021 Blue Mass

A day of gratitude, honoring the fallen, and praying for the safety of heroes among us began with the sound of marching heels walking down the main aisle of the Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul.

Very visible on the Bartlett Street side of the basilica were ladder trucks from the Lisbon and Lewiston Fire Departments displaying a massive American flag high in the air as a multi-jurisdictional honor guard comprised of members of four different public safety departments solemnly posted the colors in front of the sanctuary.

An assembly of hundreds stood in silence, with the pews full of either first responders or those wishing to thank them.

Moments later, Bishop Robert Deeley, priests, and deacons processed in, starting the 2021 Blue Mass, a venerable tradition in the Diocese of Portland that never loses its luster or lacks in meaning.

The Blue Mass (referring to the blue uniforms that firefighters, law enforcement and other first responders wear) dates back to 1934 and recognizes the dedication and self-sacrifice of all first responders. The events of September 11, 2001, served as the impetus for the Diocese of Portland to institute the Blue Mass locally.

“It is a good thing that brings us together this morning. We are here to perform an act of duty. We are here to remember,” the bishop told the large assembly. “We gather in thanks for the generosity of those who were the first responders, those who rushed into falling buildings to try to save those who were trying to get out, those who struggled to get the wounded to hospitals despite the difficulties, those who protected the citizens of the country when no one was sure what was happening. We must always remember that gratitude.”

The Blue Mass promotes a greater awareness of the lives of those who serve us so faithfully. It acknowledges that our lives are a gift from God, given to us that we might in turn give our lives in service to Him and to others. This truth is one virtually ingrained into the lives of police, fire, and rescue personnel who, day in and day out, put their lives on the line for the common good.

“Our first responders, police, firefighters, disaster personnel, game wardens, EMTs, and others keep us safe each day,” the bishop said during his homily. “We have certainly seen that during this year as we live through this pandemic. The strain on these first responders has been great as they themselves cope with an illness that has challenged all of us.”

Police and fire departments across the state are facing a depletion in personnel, forcing first responders to work more shifts and longer hours, a reality that makes their remarkable commitment that much more commanding of respect. 

“In making arrangements for the Mass today, for example, I was told that it might be difficult to see a large number of first responders attend because they are stretched thin in keeping sufficient people on duty to maintain the safety of their communities,” said the bishop. “In remembering the heroism of September 11th and its aftermath, we need also to express our gratitude for the continuing service of the same groups of people. There have been challenges this year when some of our first responders might have wondered about that support. Some of our first responders have even been subject to attack. All the more does that make a gathering such as this necessary. It is a reminder of the good that is done by those who help to keep order in our society. That is the act of duty we live out together this morning.”

First responders from as far as southern York County and Penobscot County were at the Mass, as were elected representatives from the local, state, and federal level, including Senator Susan Collins, Governor Janet Mills, and former governor Paul LePage. Also in attendance were Lewiston Mayor Mark Cayer, Androscoggin County commissioners, city councilors, state representatives and senators, State Fire Marshal Joe Thomas, Commissioner Judy Camuso of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, Public Safety Commissioner Michael Sauschuck, Commander Mark Neeland of the U.S. Coast Guard, and several local police and fire chiefs.

Many of the Mass’ participants are also connected to the public safety community, including two of the deacons. Deacon Kevin Jacques has served as the chaplain for the Biddeford Fire and Police Departments and the Saco Fire Department for two decades. Deacon Jeffrey Lewis, who is currently the chaplain for the Gardiner Fire Department, was an EMS provider for over 38 years and has served as a firefighter. Representatives from different public safety agencies served as gift bearers, while Auburn Police Chief Jason Moen and Detective Joe Philippon of the Lewiston Police Department served as readers.

Bishop Deeley commended them all during the Mass, saying that the task of those who want to follow Christ is the same task that Jesus shows in his own life: serving others.

“It is giving of self, not getting for self. In sum, it is what we pause to honor today as we give thanks for the service of those who have chosen in their careers to serve the common good by watching over the safety of the public in the communities of our state. We give thanks for their service as we pray that we might all hear the call of the Gospel today and challenge ourselves to follow the Lord in service to one another.”

The Mass ended with Scott Vaillancourt, the director of music for the basilica, performing a stirring organ rendition of “America the Beautiful” along with trumpeters Alan Kaschub and Dan Laciano.

The Blue Mass is planned and organized by the diocese along with representatives from local, state, and federal public safety departments and agencies.

Following the Mass, a reception was hosted by the Knights of Columbus and Prince of Peace Parish, offering community members and dignitaries with the opportunity to thank the heroes in person.

2020 Blue Mass

On Sunday afternoon, September 20, seven members of a multi-jurisdictional honor guard marched to the front of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, carefully posting the American and State of Maine flags in their positions before solemnly standing with their backs to the sanctuary.

Facing them were mostly empty pews, a byproduct of the COVID-19 pandemic and another reminder of how different our annual traditions are in 2020. 

“This Blue Mass was established in the beginning to honor those first responders who died on September 11,” said Bishop Robert Deeley, who celebrated the Mass on Sunday, during his homily. “We remember them in this Mass and entrust them to God in our prayer. But, as we think of their sacrifice, we also realize that we are served well by many kinds of first responders, many of whom wear blue uniforms. They provide heroic service to us day in and day out. We need to pause to give all our first responders our thanks.”

Ordinarily, the Blue Mass draws over 1,000 first responders and community members, both inside and outside the church, including recent years at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul in Lewiston, and St. John Church in Bangor.

This year, of course, was different, with only 50 participants allowed inside for the Mass due to crowd restriction regulations. Among those gathered were law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and elected officials like Senator Susan Collins. The Mass was live-streamed to a large audience online and on social media.

“In the midst of the pandemic caused by COVID-19 our gatherings have to be smaller, our distances from each other must be greater, our safety precautions must be vigilant,” said the bishop. “And yet, it is still important to mark that day and remember those lives lost. And that is what we do this afternoon, with a small group here in the cathedral and many others joining us online.”

Portland Police Chief Frank Clark and Portland Fire Chief Keith Gautreau served as readers at the Mass, and the deacons for the Mass were Deacon Kevin Jacques, who has served as the chaplain for the Biddeford Fire and Police Departments and the Saco Fire Department, and Deacon Jeffrey Lewis, who has served as the chaplain for the Gardiner Fire Department and was an EMS provider for over 38 years. Deacon Lewis has also served as a firefighter.

“For all whose vocation it is to protect and serve the public, especially all military personnel, firefighters, and law enforcement officers; all immigration, customs, and border patrol officials; and all emergency medical services personnel, may they be strengthened and protected as they continue their humanitarian service within our communities,” said Deacon Lewis during the Universal Prayer.

Bishop Deeley spoke about how first responders can be observed offering help, guidance, and direction, around the clock, a heroic mission that can be forgotten in the aftermath of disaster or in daily life. A calling that has faced serious challenges this year.

“Those challenges have even included violence and attacks on police officers,” Bishop Deeley told the assembly. “All the more does that make a gathering such as this more necessary. It is a reminder of the good that is done by those who help to keep order in our society. Our prayer, then, for the frayed corners of our society must be all the more fervent. We are all called to work to make our society a more just one, one in which all people receive equal treatment. That has to be a concern for all society. So, too, must be our advocacy for the training and health of those who protect us. We should want them to have the best resources possible to help them to carry out their work in a complicated and diverse society. Together, we will work on solutions to our problems which will benefit all of us.”

Service is at the heart of the work first responders do, and when they serve those in need, the bishop told them, they are serving Christ and bringing hope and joy to the world.  

“The message of Jesus is one of hope,” said Bishop Deeley. “I encourage you, in your service, to never lose sight of that hope which is grounded in the inalienable dignity of each person. Safeguarding that human dignity with generosity is the way we are called to live our Christian faith and strengthen the common good.  May God give us the grace to so live.”

Before the bishop’s final blessing, the multi-jurisdictional honor guard returned to their post in front of the sanctuary to retire the colors. The Blue Mass in 2020 will be remembered for looking different and virtual, but the respect, gratitude, and blessings bestowed were, as always, real.

“Pour out your abundant blessings upon these women and men, your servants, who generously devote themselves to helping others. Grant them courage when they are exposed to danger, wisdom in making critical decisions, strength when they are weary, and compassion in all their work,” said Bishop Deeley. “In every emergency, when they are called to aid both friend and stranger, help them to see You in the face of all those in need.”

2019 Blue Mass

PORTLAND---A day of gratitude, honoring the fallen, and praying for the safety of heroes among us began with the sound of marching heels walking down the main aisle of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

Visible out the side door of the cathedral, fire trucks from the Portland and South Portland Fire Departments displayed a massive American flag high in the air over Franklin Street as a multi-jurisdictional honor guard comprised of members of four different public safety departments solemnly posted the colors in front of the sanctuary. An assembly of hundreds stood in silence, with every pew full of either first responders or those wishing to thank them.

Moments later, Christopher Pelonzi, director of music for the cathedral, and the cathedral’s liturgical choir began a stirring version of “Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones” as Bishop Robert P. Deeley, priests, and deacons processed in, starting the 2019 Blue Mass, a venerable tradition in the Diocese of Portland that never loses its luster or slips in reverence.

“The Blue Mass was established to honor first responders and all those law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel of our own community who offer us heroic service day in and day out,” Bishop Deeley told those who gathered. “We are well-served by those who protect us and serve us. In this Blue Mass, our purpose is not only to thank them for their service to society, but also to thank God for that service, and to ask God’s blessing on each of them. May He protect you as you serve us.”

Elected representatives, including Senator Susan Collins and Governor Janet Mills, were in attendance at the Mass which featured participation from many individuals connected to the public safety community.

Deacon Jeffrey Lewis, who is currently the chaplain for the Gardiner Fire Department, was an EMS provider for over 38 years, and has served as a firefighter. New Portland Police Chief Frank Clark and Portland Fire Chief Keith Gautreau served as the readers at the Mass, while the gift bearers were representatives from multiple public safety departments. Honor guards comprised of officers from different cities and towns lined the sidewalk in front of the cathedral as parishioners arrived for Mass and residents stopped to take in the scene.

During his homily, the bishop told the assembly that the events of September 11, 2001, were the impetus for creating the Blue Mass in Maine. The tradition was inspired not by the hopelessness of that day, but by the hope first responders offered our nation by answering horror with heroism.

“We began to see that there was something good in the midst of all that loss and tragedy. That was the way in which the first responders acted. They were the ones heading into falling buildings to save people even as those in the buildings were trying to escape,” said Bishop Deeley. “As tragic as September 11 was, as destructive as it was, it was also a moment of hope, it was a moment in which we saw much good amidst the evil. That was evident in the first responders.”

The selfless and benevolent actions of first responders should be held as examples of how to live and answer God’s call, added the bishop.

“Nurture hope, seek to do the merciful act, try to appreciate the gift the other person is to you, focus not on the negative, but on the human dignity of each person. We must work to seek a dialogue which cultivates a true respect for every human being.  We need to seek ways large and small to be a sign of hope in the everyday routine of life,” said the bishop.

At one point, sirens could be heard as emergency vehicles raced by the cathedral. A tangible reminder of the courage and dedication being honored.

After the Mass, a reception was held on the lawn of the cathedral, offering the community and dignitaries with an opportunity to thank their heroes in person on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in Portland.

“God bless you all,” said the bishop. “We pray that God will watch over and care for all who serve to ensure public safety.”

Read about and view photos from previous Blue Masses

2018 Blue Mass - Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul, Lewiston

"Events such as today keep the memory alive of the generosity of those who serve us. We need to pause to give them thanks." - Bishop Robert Deeley

2017 Blue Mass - St. John Church, Bangor

"You have responded to a call to serve the community, the common good, to build a just society, and to protect the vulnerable." - Bishop Robert Deeley

2016 Blue Mass - Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland

"We do not need to wait until a disaster strikes to be grateful for the dedication of all of those whose life work is the protection of the public." - Bishop Robert Deeley

2015 Blue Mass - Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland

"We pray that God may bless you and keep you safe in your great responsibilities to the service of the common good.” - Bishop Robert Deeley

2014 Blue Mass - Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul, Lewiston

 "Our purpose in being here this morning is not only to thank you but also to thank God for your service." - Bishop Robert Deeley