BLACKWOOD – “God bless our women and men in blue.”
In a morning of fervent praise and reverent prayer, Bishop Joseph Williams, joined by priests, deacons, religious, laity, dignitaries and schoolchildren, recognized and thanked first responders for their sacrifice and service at the 25th annual Diocesan Blue Mass on Sept. 29.
The liturgy, which takes place on the Feast of the Archangels – Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael – honors South Jersey’s women and men who serve in law enforcement, as firefighters and in emergency medical services.
“We are so grateful,” Bishop Williams said to the hundreds gathered at Saint Agnes Church, Our Lady of Hope Parish. “We want God to protect you through the intercession of the archangels.”
Deacon Edwin Santos, of Holy Eucharist Parish in Cherry Hill, gave the day’s homily. He has more than 28 years of service in law enforcement between the United States Air Force, Security Forces and Department of Homeland Security,
“Whether we wear a badge, clerical attire or school uniform, the Christian life is ultimately about the same thing: serving God and doing His will,” Deacon Santos preached.
The archangels, he noted, are good models of this practice. “Michael stands against the power of evil; Gabriel announces the Good News, and points us toward Christ; Raphael reminds us of God’s healing presence.”
Echoing the day’s Gospel of John, which recounts when Jesus told Nathaniel that “under the fig tree, I saw you,” Deacon Santos told the first responders that, indeed, God sees their sacrifices and dedication. “Long before anyone knew our profession, before anyone saw a badge … before the academy, the training or the first call we ever answered, He knew you – and he still does.”
“[While facing] fear, violence, addiction, suffering [and] meeting people on the worst day of their lives, or when a family is falling apart, or someone needs help,” he continued, “Jesus constantly keeps eyes on us, and lets us know that it is Him, not evil, that gets the last word.”
Deacon Santos also assured families of the first responders that they are seen by Christ, too – “those who know the late nights, unexpected phone calls, missed dinners and holidays. … He sees the sacrifices no one applauds, the worries you don’t always talk about, the patience, the strength and the love that keeps the family together.”
To the 600 schoolchildren in attendance, from 28 Catholic elementary and high schools in the Diocese, Deacon Santos said: “[You] look around this Church and see police officers, firefighters, first responders, uniforms, badges and patches … but the uniform isn’t what makes someone a hero. It’s the person inside.”
Heroism, he continued, “is choosing to tell the truth when lying would be easier; it’s standing beside someone who’s being picked on when everyone else is walking away; it’s helping someone who needs you; doing what is right even when nobody else sees.”
“You don’t need a badge to do any of those things, just the courage to follow Jesus.”
In honoring courage, 39 first responders who died in the past year were remembered at the Blue Mass, which was livestreamed. Camden Fire Department Capt. Howard Bennett, who died in a fire boat maintenance accident in February, was honored with the Blue Mass Memorial Award for his 26 years of service in the city. His widow, Fran, and family were present to accept the plaque.
“He wanted the best for the City of Camden and gave everything he knew to be of service,” she said of her husband. “[He] was so happy to be part of the brotherhood that is here today.”
Near the end of Mass, Bishop Williams acknowledged the sacrifices of the Catholic schoolchildren whose parents are first responders. He invited them to the front of the church for a blessing and the Prayer of Saint Michael.
Colin Roznowski, a high school senior and Our Lady of Hope parishioner, was among those to join in the prayer. His father, Sgt. Christopher Roznowski, serves with the Gloucester Township Police Department.
“He has taught me how to be a true man, protect my family and uphold morals and promises,” Roznowski said of his father.
He added that it was important to him to see all the first responders gathered together, and for everyone to pray for their protection. Doing so, he said, “acknowledges them and the work they put in day in and day out to keep us safe.”
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
