Blue Mass 2015
"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
Though faced with a windy and rainy morning in Portland, community members gathered and stood reverentially as law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel processed under a large American flag, held in place atop Portland Fire Department ladder trucks on Franklin Street on Sunday, September 13.
Led by the Maine Public Safety Pipe and Drum Corps, the representatives from the public safety community made their way into the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, joining hundreds of others to be recognized for their faithful commitment and sacrifice at the 2015 Blue Mass.
“We have invited those who serve our community by providing safety and protection in Maine to be with us this morning,” said Bishop Robert P. Deeley, who celebrated the Mass. “Our gathering provides us an opportunity, first of all, to honor and thank all those who watch over public safety in our communities here in Maine, all those who serve as first responders and protectors of public order, health, and safety. We come together today to express our gratitude for the service you offer us. And we are truly grateful that you perform this service in so many ways.”
Law enforcement and public safety agency representatives assisted in planning the Mass, and members of their respective communities participated in it as well. A multi-jurisdictional color guard posted the colors before Mass; honor guards lined the stairs and walkway outside of the Cathedral; Lieutenant Frank Clark of the South Portland Police Department and Deputy Patrick Ferriter of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department served as readers; and Officer Kevin Haley of the Portland Police Department, Lieutenant Walther Grzyb of the Maine State Police, and Officer Jacob Lachance of the South Portland Police Department served as the gift bearers.
Bishop Deeley noted that in this, a particularly difficult year for those in law enforcement, the celebration of the Blue Mass is as meaningful today as when it was instituted in the Diocese of Portland following the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
“Disrespect, violence, and even murder have become problematic. All the more does that make a gathering such as this more necessary,” said the bishop. “It is a reminder of the good that is done by those who help to keep order in our society. These calls to public service confer an incredible responsibility and, as such, demand the public trust. At times they are taken on at a profound personal price which, sadly, can even include the ultimate sacrifice of the very lives of you who serve. As we gather today, then, with you who have a special care for the protection of the public we pray that God may bless you and keep you safe in your great responsibilities to the service of the common good.”
Clergy with special ties to the public safety community also assisted at the Blue Mass. Deacon Kevin Jacques has served as the chaplain for the Biddeford Fire and Police Departments and the Saco Fire Department for nearly 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, helped to remember the brave who have given their lives in the name of duty and honor.
“For all who have died while performing their duty, may they share in the fullness of salvation as promised by Christ,” said Deacon Lewis during the Universal Prayer.
The Blue Mass, which expressed the community’s boundless gratitude to true heroes and their loving and supportive families and friends, proved again to be a fitting tribute to the work done by all who serve, and an opportunity to pray that God will watch over and care for all who serve to ensure public safety.
“Our purpose in being here this morning is not only to thank you, but also to thank God for your service, and to ask God’s blessing on each of you,” said Bishop Deeley. “May He protect you as you serve us.”
