Honoring South Jersey’s law enforcement and first responders at the 19th annual Blue Mass on the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 29, Bishop Dennis Sullivan urged all in attendance and watching via livestream to pray that those in uniform be safe and respected.
“We pray on this feast of the Holy Angels for God’s protection on them, for God’s strength in them,” he said.
The yearly Mass recognizes the sacrifice and dedication of the law enforcement and first responders in the Camden Diocese.
In years past, the Mass at Blackwood’s Our Lady of Hope Parish, Saint Agnes Church would be packed with blue-garbed men and women, their family and friends, clergy and Catholic school students. The current pandemic necessitated limited capacity, but no less fervor, as thousands of students and well-wishers tuned in to Facebook, YouTube or Twitter to offer prayers of thanksgiving.
“We felt the love and prayers of those watching (via livestream), and in attendance,” said David Harkins, Chief of Police of Gloucester Township, and chairperson of the Diocese of Camden’s Blue Mass Committee.
The liturgy included a spirited introduction with the National Anthem, and a moving closing of “God Bless America” by the Camden County Emerald Society Pipes and Drums.
As well, the 28 men and women law enforcement and first responders who died in the past year were remembered, as the congregation asked that they “enter the kingdom.”
Deacon Joseph Farro, currently ministering at Infant Jesus Parish in Woodbury Heights and a retired law enforcement officer, was the day’s homilist. He spoke of his time as a New Jersey State Trooper, and later a chaplain at the Salem County Correctional Facility. He recounted his relationship with a squad leader, who gifted Farro a Bible that went untouched for 11 years.
It wasn’t until after becoming a godfather and reciting vows to raise the child in the Catholic faith that Farro opened it up and began taking his religion more seriously.
“God’s word is alive,” he stressed. “It strikes to the heart, it pierces more surely than any two-edged sword. There’s no body armor out there that can stop it,” he said.
In today’s times, Farro said, believers can all take comfort in Romans 12:12: “Rejoice in hope, endure in trial and affliction, persevere in prayer.”
The deacon was recognized during the liturgy by the Salem County Correctional Facility for his career of service.
Finally, the Blue Mass Committee recognized Bishop Sullivan with a token of their appreciation, with “sincere thanks and gratitude” for a leader who “is always quick to lend support.”
This week, schools and parishes throughout the diocese have showed their support and appreciation for law enforcement and first responders. Atco’s Christ the Redeemer Parish started its “Adopt a Cop” ministry, with parishioners “adopting” 35 officers in Waterford Township, and pledging to pray for them every day. As well, gift bags were delivered or mailed to all of the adopted officers.
In Wildwood, The Wildwood Catholic Academy women’s basketball team held a spaghetti dinner fundraiser that gave a good meal not only the needy in the county, but also to area first responders.
On Facebook, Holy Angels Catholic School in Woodbury created a video montage of some two dozen photos of the town’s police with connections to their students. “God Bless America” plays as the images scroll past.
The montage includes the message “God bless our police officers and thank you for all that you do” and ends with a Police Officers Prayer:
Almighty God we pray to you
In heaven up above
Watch over our dear police officers
And protect them with your love.
Please guide them as they keep us
Safe both day and night
And hold them firmly in your care
Should danger come their way.
Give them true strength and courage
As they serve til duty’s end
And one more thing to ask dear Lord
Protect their family and their friends.
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