Annual Blue Mass honors those who protect and serve

The Most Reverend James Ruggieri celebrated his first Blue Mass as Bishop of Portland on Sunday, September 29 at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Lewiston. This annual Mass, instituted in the Diocese of Portland after September 11, 2001, recognizes the dedication and service of law enforcement and first responders throughout the state of Maine. 

This year’s Mass, attended by more than 500, held special significance for the Lewiston community as it approaches the first anniversary of October 25 shooting in the city that left 18 people dead, 13 injured and a community changed forever. Pastor of Prince of Peace Father Daniel Greenleaf, whose parish has served as a place of healing this past year, was the concelebrant for the Mass. 

Prior to the beginning of the Mass, local fire departments raised the American flag outside of the basilica and the State Police Pipe and Drum Unit performed as parishioners entered. Before the Mass commenced, a multijurisdictional honor guard posted colors in front of the altar during a moment of silence. 

“We call you in our times of crisis. We call you in our time of need. We call you when there is danger. And the beautiful thing is that you come,” said Bishop Ruggieri in his homily. “You come and take care of us. You see us oftentimes at our worst. Yet you come.” 

Bishop Ruggieri shared that September 29 is a particularly special date for the Blue Mass to be held – it is the date that the very first Blue Mass was held in the U.S. in 1934 at St. Patrick’s Church in Washinton DC, and it is the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel, the patron saint of military and police. 

It is Saint Michael in the Book of Revelation who casts Satan from heaven – facing and eliminating evil and becoming the protector of God’s people. 

“When we think of Saint Michael, I would say, do not be afraid. Do not be afraid of evil forces in people,” said Bishop Ruggieri. “The Scripture says: perfect love drives out all fear.” 

Chief of the Auburn Police Department Jason Moen served as the first reader during the Mass and Ryan Gagnon, community resource officer from the Lewiston Police Department offered the second reading. Sergeant Patrick Ferriter of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Lieutenant Kristen Barboza of the Maine Warden Service, and Corporal Patick Griffin of the Lewiston Police Department presented the liturgical gifts.  The Knights of Columbus also participated in the procession. 

Lewiston Chief of Police David St. Pierre was also on hand and spoke of the sacrifice of first responders and the significance of the day. 

To learn more about the annual Blue Mass, visit www.portlanddiocese.org/bluemass.