2023 Blue Mass

2023 Blue Mass
Sunday, September 17, 10:30 a.m.
St. John Church
207 York Street, Bangor

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 17, at 10:30 a.m., at St. John Church on 207 York Street in Bangor. 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 (https://stpaulbangor.me/watch-mass-live) as the diocese shows its gratitude to these dedicated heroes. View a gallery of pictures from previous Blue Masses at the bottom of this page.

“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.”

Through the Years

2022 Blue Mass

“This is a special celebration. These courageous men and women put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. We must always say thank you.”

The words of Senator Susan Collins encapsulate the palpable gratitude and respect found each year at the annual Blue Mass, celebrated this year on Sunday, September 18, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland.

The celebration is an opportunity for parishioners, community members, and Maine dignitaries to recognize the self-sacrifice of the public safety community, to remember first responders who have given their lives in the line of duty, and to pray for all those who serve so faithfully.

Ladder trucks from the Portland and South Portland Fire Departments set a tone of togetherness and thanks as arriving participants were welcomed with a large American flag displayed high above Cumberland Avenue thanks to ladder trucks from the two departments. A multi-jurisdictional color guard with representatives from different law enforcement agencies then posted the colors in the front of the sanctuary at the start of the Mass.

The pews were filled with first responders, some in uniform, from as far as southern York County and Penobscot County, and elected and former representatives from the local, state, and federal level, including Senator Collins, Governor Janet Mills, former governor Paul LePage, and former U.S. Congressman Bruce Poliquin. Law enforcement leadership was also present throughout the cathedral, including Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce, State Fire Marshal Joseph Thomas, and Maine Public Safety Commissioner Michael Sauschuck.

“We gather for the Blue Mass to honor all those law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel of our communities who offer us heroic service day in and day out,” said Bishop Robert Deeley, who celebrated Sunday’s Mass. “What happened on 9/11 reminded us that we are helped greatly by those who protect us and serve us. We need to pause to realize that we encourage them by our thanks. And, in so doing, we show them a respect which might help our young people to realize that service as a first responder is a valuable way to strengthen the bonds of our community.”

Fittingly, many of the Mass’ participants are also connected to the public safety community. Representatives from different public safety agencies served as gift bearers, while South Portland Police Lieutenant Todd Bernard and Portland Fire Chief Keith Gautreau served as readers. Deacon Jeffrey Lewis, who served at the Mass, is currently the chaplain for the Augusta and Gardiner fire departments, was an EMS provider for over 38 years, and has served as a firefighter.

“For all whose vocation it is to protect and serve the public, that they may be strengthened in their dedication to the common good, we pray to the Lord,” said Deacon Lewis during the Universal Prayer.

The bishop told those gathered that the current climate is a difficult one for public safety agencies, who suffer from a lack of staffing and other challenges.

“The September 11th news this year reported on the difficulty of recruiting new members for our local police departments. The same challenge is there for recruiting the personnel at our jails, or our local first responders who work in EMS, or the other services which keep us safe and are there to help us when things go wrong,” said Bishop Deeley. “I think it important to raise up the challenge this has been for our first responders. Our gathering to thank them in this celebration has to be also an opportunity to resolve to appreciate their most important place in our society each day of the year.”

“I think what the bishop said is so important. In addition to honoring the amazing commitment and dedication of our first responders, we need to let this occasion serve as a reminder of how low the numbers are in most departments and how crucial it is that we face that challenge,” said Governor Janet Mills.

For those currently serving, the Mass, its message, and the hope it inspired filled their hearts.

“Thank you so much for doing this. It means more than you can possibly know,” a Kennebunk Police officer told the bishop after the Mass.

The Blue Mass is a venerable tradition in the Diocese of Portland that never loses its luster as 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.

“You, our first responders, protect the right that all of us have to safety, to private property, and to life itself,” said the bishop. “That is what makes the jobs you do so very important to all of us. You have responded to a call to serve the community, the common good, to build a just society, and to protect the vulnerable. In the midst of a fractured and divided society, you go about trying to keep order. We pray for you today, grateful for your service, and asking God to bless you all.”

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.

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.

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

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.

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

2018 Blue Mass

The large American flag, held in place atop ladder trucks provided by the Auburn and Lewiston Fire Departments, waved in a slight breeze as the Maine Public Safety Pipe and Drum Corps and the Maine State Police Pipe and Drum Unit offered a stirring performance of “Amazing Grace.” Honor guards from around the area stood in front of the Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul in Lewiston, standing reverently as the music made its way down Ash Street and beyond.

The scene greeted hundreds of law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency personnel, and parishioners as they entered the 2018 Blue Mass on Sunday, September 16, in Lewiston. The Mass annually bestows blessings upon all who contribute to public safety and health in Maine and honors first responders for their heroic service.

The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Robert P. Deeley, who noted that the Blue Mass tradition was revived in the Diocese of Portland after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and that gathering to honor our communities’ heroes will always be important.

“I read last week that, now, some 17 years after 2001, we have a generation of youngsters who have little recall of this terrible tragedy,” said the bishop during his homily. “Events such as today keep the memory alive of the generosity of those who serve us. We need to pause to give them thanks. Our purpose in being here this morning is not only to thank you, our first responders, but also to thank God for your service, and to ask God’s blessing on each of you. May He protect you as you serve us.”

The assembly was a mix of members of the public safety community, many in uniform, joined by men, women, and children who attended in order to share their own gratitude. Senator Susan Collins, Congressman Bruce Poliquin, Public Safety Commissioner John Morris, gubernatorial candidate Shawn Moody, state senators and representatives, city councilors, and local mayors were among the many dignitaries at the Blue Mass.

“Their presence with us is a tribute to the work that is done by all who serve,” said Bishop Deeley. “We are grateful that they come this morning to join us in honoring those who serve and to be with us in our prayer that God will watch over and care for all who serve to ensure public safety.”

Many of the Mass’ participants are also connected to the public safety community, including 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. Lieutenant Todd Bernard of the South Portland Police Department and Chief Robert Schwarz, executive director of the Maine Chiefs of Police, served as readers. Androscoggin County Sheriff Eric Samson was one of the gift bearers, and representatives from the Lewiston Police Department, Auburn Fire Department, Maine State Police, and the Portland Police Department comprised a multijurisdictional honor guard that posted and retired the colors before and after the Mass.

Bishop Deeley told the public safety officials in attendance that their work is service in the very way Jesus calls all of us to take care of each other.

“The vocation of each Christian is to serve others, as the Lord himself did, freely and impartially. We would often choose to take care of ourselves forgetting the other. Jesus calls us to serve, to be conscious of the other. Service is at the heart of the work you do in the many ways you protect and serve the people of our communities here in Maine.”

The bishop also encouraged the law enforcement and emergency personnel to never lose sight of the inalienable dignity of each person.

“Safeguarding that dignity is the way we are called to live our Christian faith. When we gather for Sunday Eucharist each week, we deepen within ourselves our conviction, our belief that Jesus cares for each of us, and asks us to do the same for each other. Strengthened by the powerful gift of Jesus’ presence in our lives, we find the grace to continue to serve, no matter what our profession.”

The Maine Public Safety Pipe and Drum Corps and the Maine State Police Pipe and Drum unit performed outside before and after the Mass, and a reception for all gathered was hosted by the Knights of Columbus in the parish hall after the Mass.

The Blue Mass, which refers to the blue uniforms that firefighters, law enforcement and other first responders wear, is planned and organized by diocesan officials and representatives from local, county, and state public safety agencies.

“We pray that God may bless you and keep you safe in your great responsibilities to the service of the common good,” this bishop told the heroes.

2017 Blue Mass

The large American flag, held in place atop ladder trucks provided by the Bangor and Veazie Fire Departments, waved in a slight breeze as the Maine Public Safety Pipe and Drum Corps and the Maine State Police Pipe and Drum Unit offered a stirring performance of “Amazing Grace.” Honor guards from around the area lined the pavement in front of St. John Church, standing reverently as the music made its way down York Street and beyond.

The scene greeted hundreds of law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency personnel, parishioners, and community members as they entered St. John Church for the Blue Mass on Sunday, September 10, in Bangor. The Mass annually bestows blessings upon all who contribute to public safety and health in Maine and honors first responders for their heroic service.

The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Robert P. Deeley, who noted that it was a particularly fitting time to honor this community as first responders in Texas, Louisiana, Florida and other areas have protected and served bravely in recent weeks.

“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,” said the bishop during his homily. “In this Blue Mass, our purpose in being here is not only to thank you for your service to society, but also to thank God for your service, and to ask God’s blessing on each of you. May He protect you as you serve us. That is certainly our prayer today.”

Every pew of the church was filled with people wishing to join the bishop in sharing their gratitude for the courageous men and women being honored, many of whom wore their uniforms to the Mass.

Senator Susan Collins, Congressman Bruce Poliquin, state senators and representatives, city councilors, and local mayors were among the many dignitaries who attended.

“Their presence is a tribute to the work that is done by all who serve,” said the bishop. “We are grateful that they come this morning to join us in honoring those who serve and to join with us in our prayer that God will watch over and care for all who serve to ensure public safety.”

“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.

Captain Robert Welch of the University of Maine Police Department and Trooper Trevor Snow of the Maine State Police served as readers, while representatives from the Bangor Police Department, Bangor Fire Department, and Penobscot County Sheriff’s Department served as gift bearers.

Bishop Deeley told the public safety officials in attendance that their work is service in the way Jesus calls all of us to take care of each other.

“You have responded to a call to serve the community, the common good, to build a just society, and to protect the vulnerable,” said the bishop. “We pray for you today, grateful for your service, and asking God to bless you all. And, we pray as well for our society that your service might remind all of us of the need to strengthen the community within which we live by living lives beyond our own self-interest and devoted to helping each other.”

At the end of the Mass, a multi-jurisdictional color guard retired the colors. The bishop, concelebrating priests, and deacons then processed out of the church and onto the sidewalk. They were joined by many who had gathered as a silver bell was rung in front of the church, remembering those who have given their lives in the line of duty, and the pipe and drum corps performed underneath the American flag.

The events of September 11, 2001, served as the impetus for the Diocese of Portland to institute the Blue Mass, which refers to the blue uniforms that firefighters, law enforcement and other first responders wear. The Blue Mass is planned and organized by diocesan officials and representatives from local, county, and state public safety agencies.

2016 Blue Mass

A large American flag, held in place atop Portland Fire Department ladder trucks, waved in the breeze over Franklin Street as the Maine Public Safety Pipe and Drum Corps filled the air with a stirring performance of “Amazing Grace.”

The indelible scene welcomed a gathering, including hundreds of local, state, and federal law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel, to the 2016 Blue Mass, celebrated by Bishop Robert P. Deeley. Every pew of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception was filled with many standing in the back of the cathedral for the Mass.

The Blue Mass annually bestows blessings upon all who contribute to public safety and health in Maine and honors first responders for their heroic service.

Sunday’s Mass was particularly poignant as it was held on the 15th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, evoking memories of the many courageous men and women who ran towards danger to save their fellow man on that day.

“What happened on 9/11 reminded us that we are well-served by those who protect us and serve us. 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,” said Bishop Deeley. “In this Blue Mass, our purpose in being here is not only to thank you for your service to society, but also to thank God for your service, and to ask God’s blessing on each of you. May He protect you as you serve us.”

The events of September 11, 2001, served as the impetus for the Diocese of Portland to institute the Blue Mass, which is planned and organized by diocesan officials and representatives from local, county, and state public safety agencies. Bishop Deeley said that the good that stood amidst the evil that day must not be forgotten when communities and their relationships with law enforcement become strained.

“This year has presented serious challenges for those in law enforcement,” said the bishop. “Those challenges have even included violence and the murder of police officers. 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.”

Color guards, including a multi-jurisdictional honor guard, were on hand, as were people of different faiths. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Portland Mayor Ethan Strimling, and Public Safety Commissioner John Morris were among the dignitaries in attendance.

Lieutenant Frank Clark of the South Portland Police Department and Deputy Patrick Ferriter of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department served as readers. Representatives from Portland Police and the Maine State Police served as the gift bearers.

In this Holy Year of Mercy, declared by Pope Francis, believers are called to reflect on God’s gift of mercy. Bishop Deeley suggested to the hundreds in the assembly that one way to respond to that call is by seeking ways, large and small, to be a sign of hope for those we encounter each day.

“Start, I might suggest, by recognizing the enormous burden we place on those who protect and serve us, our first responders,” said the bishop. “In the midst of a fractured and divided society, they go about trying to keep order. We pray for them today, but it would also be good if we take the time in our daily activity to offer them a word of gratitude. So, the next time you pass a police officer or firefighter or game warden on the street, or you find yourself rushing to an appointment and get stopped for putting others in danger because of your excessive speed, thank the police officer for his or her service. At that moment, you are being protected. That is an act of mercy.”

2015 Blue Mass

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.”

2014 Blue Mass

A large American flag, held in place atop ladder trucks provided by the Auburn and Lewiston Fire Departments, waved in the breeze as the Maine Public Safety Pipe and Drum Corps filled the air with a stirring performance of “Amazing Grace.” The indelible scene welcomed hundreds of local, state, and federal law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel to the 2014 Blue Mass, celebrated by Bishop Robert P. Deeley, at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Lewiston on Sunday morning, September 14. The Mass annually bestows blessings upon all who contribute to public health and safety in Maine.

“Our purpose in bringing you together is to express gratitude for the service you offer us,” said Bishop Deeley to the first responders and rescue workers gathered. “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. 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. May He protect you as you serve us.”

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, while Chief Paul LeClair of the Lewiston Fire Department, Deputy Eric Samson of the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office, and Officer Michael Lacombe of the Lewiston Police Department served as readers. The Portland Police Department Honor Guard, one of several honor guards in attendance, served as the gift bearers.

During his homily, Bishop Deeley told the public safety community that their work is service in the way the Lord Jesus calls all of us to give to one another.

“Even as we thank you for all that you do, and ask God to watch over you and bless your work, I hope this reflection today reminds all of us that service is not just something we do in our professions,” said the bishop. “It is a way of life, it is the way we define ourselves as Jesus’ followers. And so we are called not just to serve professionally, but also in our families, in our communities, and in our churches. By so living, we, indeed, become co-workers with the Lord Jesus.”

Local and state dignitaries, including Congressman Michael Michaud, Maine Public Safety Commissioner John Morris, and Lewiston Mayor Robert MacDonald, attended the Mass, joining in recognizing the self-sacrifice and dedication of our heroes. The events of 9/11 served as the impetus for the Diocese of Portland to institute the Blue Mass locally. It is the principal occasion for the diocese to recognize those who protect us throughout Maine.

“May God bless you, and keep you safe in your great responsibilities to the service of the common good,” said Bishop Deeley.

Blue Mass History

The Blue Mass, referring to the blue uniforms worn by so many public safety personnel, dates back to 1934 and is a venerable tradition in many dioceses. In the Diocese of Portland, many of our Catholics serve in crucial posts protecting our communities. This Mass calls forth in us a greater awareness of, and gratitude for, the lives of those who serve us so faithfully. 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 our police, fire and rescue personnel. Day in and day out they put their lives on the line for us.

“Greater love has no man than this: that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).