Blue
Mass
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Blue mass in Washington, DC
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Observed by
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Catholics,
Other Christians
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Significance
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Honor
veterans of the Public Safety field
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Date
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Varies
by community
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First time
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1934
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A Blue Mass is a Mass
celebrated annually in the Catholic
Church for those employed in the "public safety field" (i.e. police
officers, firefighters, correctional officers, 911
operators and EMS Personnel). The color blue relates to the
blue-colored uniforms predominantly used by these services.[2]
Similar to the Red Mass, the service honors those who have died in the line of
duty and those currently serving as first responders. The Mass is an
opportunity for the community to show gratitude to first responders and their
families.
Background
In Washington, D.C. the service is
held in conjunction with National Police Week. Psalm 91:11, "For
He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and
preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service]," are often
invoked during the service. Though usually held in a Catholic church, the
events are generally considered to be ecumenical
or non-denominational.
The Blue Mass dates to September 29,
1934, when Rev. Thomas Dade started the service as part of his duties with the
Catholic Police and Fireman’s Society. The first mass was held at St. Patrick’s Catholic
Church in Washington, DC and has grown to a nationwide celebration. The
September 29 service was timed to coincide with Michaelmas, the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel, the patron
saint of police officers.
INTERNET
SOURCE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Mass
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