BLACKWOOD – During the 21st annual diocesan Blue Mass, Bishop Dennis Sullivan noted the appropriateness of honoring South Jersey’s law enforcement officers and first responders on Sept. 29, the Feast of the Archangels.
Modeling Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, these women and men, are “messengers of God’s peace, love and order that we need for society,” he said during the Mass celebrated in Saint Agnes Church, Our Lady of Hope Parish.
“We’re always grateful, and one of the best ways to express that gratitude is here at Mass in prayer,” the Bishop continued. At the end of the liturgy, he further expressed this in blessing the 2022 Blue Mass pins that were later distributed.
In the pews were more than two dozen priests – who concelebrated Mass – deacons, nearly 500 Catholic elementary and high school students, and hundreds of faithful – proof of the community’s support of the hundreds of law enforcement and first responders in attendance. The Mass was livestreamed on all diocesan media platforms.
“What a beautiful sight to see all the blue,” said Deacon Charles Schiapelli, retired Vineland Police Department lieutenant and the day’s homilist.
After thanking Bishop Sullivan for his “unwavering commitment to the Blue Mass and strong support for first responders,” Deacon Schiapelli turned to the guests of honor, who through their strength and vitality, “are shining examples to our students here, for your commitment to sacrifice and public service … day in and day out.”
He also noted appreciation for those “who monitor prison life to protect [everyone’s] safety and also encourage [inmates] to prepare to start a new life: parole officers, who give hope to those place in their care; police officers, who patrol our neighborhoods and reach out to young people by their presence and word, and EMTs arriving in quick minutes.”
In the Book of Isaiah, the Lord asks, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” It is these women and men who live their lives saying, “Send me,” he explained, adding that they echo the mission of the archangels in “protection, love, mercy and healing.”
After Deacon Schiapelli remembered fallen first responders who lived out Jesus’ words of “No greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend,” the names of those who have died in the past year were read aloud, followed by a solemn ringing of a bell.
Officer Kristina Bowen of the Haddonfield Police Department, whose early retirement this year was due to complications from an injury suffered on the job, was honored with the Blue Mass Award.
Also noted was the family of Michael Delp, a 20-plus-year veteran of the Pennsauken Police Department who died earlier this year from a medical condition.
Calling him the “epitome of a public servant,” Deacon David Harkins, Chief of Police for the Gloucester Township Police Department and a member of the Blue Mass Committee, assured Delp’s family of the community’s prayers.
Delp’s son, Michael, a freshman at Haddonfield’s Paul VI High School, called the liturgy and recognition of his father “really special to me. I’m thankful for the support. My father was so brave, to go out and serve our community. I looked up to him.”
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