Honor guards representing law enforcement, firefighters and first responders are pictured after the Blue Mass on Sept. 11 with Bishop Robert Brennan, clergy members and Logan Knapp (center), who received a special altar server award.                                  Photo courtesy Larry Pishitelli

At Blue Mass, bishop lauds first responders, law enforcement, firefighters

Bishop Robert Brennan told representatives of law enforcement, firefighters and first responders at the annual diocesan Blue Mass that in performing their duties they provide an inspiring example of holiness to all.

Bishop Brennan was the celebrant and homilist for the Mass on Friday, Sept. 11, which was celebrated for the 10th straight year at Columbus St. Timothy Church and sponsored by St. Timothy Knights of Columbus Council 14345. The Mass takes place every year on the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to honor those who put their lives at risk to preserve the community’s safety.

Readings for the day’s Mass included a passage from the First Letter to the Corinthians in which St. Paul says he has an obligation to preach the Gospel, “and woe to me if I do not preach it.”

“The call to preach the Gospel was so ingrained in St. Paul it was likened to the beating of his heart,” Bishop Brennan said. In the same way, the bishop said, we are called to holiness, which he described as “not like running away from our lives. It’s not something out there, but it’s in here. 

“For you in law enforcement and as first responders, holiness consists of the way you live out your calling … being true to who you are and living it out with generosity, courage, authenticity and integrity. Today, we think of how you live out your vocation, and, boy, are we glad that you do! I speak for so many who feel a sense of confidence knowing that you’re around,” said Bishop Brennan, whose father served with the New York Police Department and the FBI and who has a brother in each of those agencies. 

“Your daily sacrifices are so important to the well-being of the community. Your integrity, goodness and generosity reflect from you into the goodness of our community. Your courage keeps us all alive and safe,” he said.

“All summer, many things had to be postponed (because of the coronavirus pandemic), but I said this Mass could not be postponed. It’s important for us to be able to honor you.”
The Mass included honor guards from the Columbus police and fire departments, the Franklin County sheriff’s office and the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Those in attendance included the city police and fire chiefs, the sheriff, the superintendent of the patrol, the city attorney, the county prosecutor, Pontifical College Josephinum seminarians and priests and deacons of the diocese.

Because of the pandemic, Mass attendance was limited, but the Mass was broadcast on St. Gabriel Radio and livestreamed on the diocesan website.

The Blue Mass is dedicated to all active, retired and deceased police, firefighters and emergency personnel and to the 2,973 people killed in the Sept. 11 attacks. The Mass originated in Washington, D.C. in 1934 for police and firefighters, who then dressed mainly in blue uniforms. It has expanded throughout the nation since then, especially after 9/11.