Catholic Transcript Online

The Mass is dedicated to "honoring and remembering the sacrifice that our police, fire, and other safety personnel offer each day for the good of our communities," said Archbishop Henry J. Mansell, principal celebrant of the Blue Mass, which he initiated for the Archdiocese.

"It is with respect and sentiments of esteem and celebration that we gather," he said, to honor police officers, firefighters, first responders and homeland security personnel "who protect us day in and day out as well as protect our world."

With a backdrop of music provided by the Connecticut State Police Pipes and Drums, a procession of honor guards from the Connecticut State Police, Hartford Police Department, Hartford Fire Department and the Connecticut Statewide Honor Guard marched solemnly into the cathedral to place symbolic flags behind the altar.

"It’s an opportunity for law enforcement and the state’s first responders to come together in a spiritual way," said James M. Thomas, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, who was one of the organizers of the Mass.

"It’s important for us to realize that we have the support and caring of the entire Church," he said. "We need that spiritual charge to help us carry out the work we do."

Catholic faithful who attended the Mass were clearly moved by its pageantry, sentiment and dignity, as well as by the show of support and prayer for those whose professions place their lives in harm’s way.

"I think it’s awesome," said Kevin Cooney, a member of the Manchester Fire Rescue EMS service and the statewide honor guard. "It’s nice to recognize public safety agencies and police officers for the work they do."

Michael DuBois, also a member of the Manchester department, noted that more than 100 firefighters and 120 to 130 police officers die nationwide every year. He said, "It’s a great opportunity to have the fallen police and emergency workers recognized."

Attending with his family was Brian Crowell of Glastonbury, who noted, "It’s a great event for law enforcement to remember fallen officers and to recognize what police departments and emergency responders do for us every day."

In his homily, Archbishop Mansell wove a historic tapestry of events and people who have served their country and community with courage despite adversity, starting with the drafters of the Declaration of Independence and the defenders of the Bill of Rights.

He said, "We are here to express our profound appreciation, gratitude and high regard for the members of public safety who make such a difference in our lives 24 hours a day."

Reminding them that it is the Creator who "endows us with inalienable rights," he used the sentiment of John 15:13 to express what he termed as the highest ethic in the world, that there is "no greater love than to lay one’s life down for a friend."

"We thank you for your nobility and honor in following that high ethic," he stated.

Turning to the tragedy of the World Trade Center, he noted, "Even before 9-11, you knew the enormous threat of terror," a reality that they now fight every day, he said.

But he offered that it is the physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual and social strength demonstrated by those in the line of duty that enables them to survive the tragedies, injuries, death, violence, loss and darkness that they see and experience. "We pray that you will be able to hold fast in protecting society from its horror and terror," he said, by preserving the values, ideals and ethics esteemed by society. "We can’t allow evil to take our vision away.

"You bring order to society amid chaos," he concluded. "God reserves a high place for those who maintain those values, ideals and ethics."

Special guests included Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez and his wife Maria; and Carol Bagshaw, wife of State Trooper Russell A. Bagshaw, who was killed in the line of duty in 1991.

Concelebrating the Mass were Msgr. John J. McCarthy, chancellor of the Archdiocese and rector of the cathedral; and priests who have served or continue to serve in public safety roles, including: Father Anthony J. Bruno, director of religious services for the state Department of Correction; Father Michael J. Dolan, chaplain for the Connecticut State Police; Father Ronald A. Ferraro, Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish and chaplain for the Waterbury police and fire departments; Father Stephen Krugel, who serves as a prison chaplain, and Father Louis Cremonie, chaplain for the Hartford Police Department.

Deacon Robert Blair, who was a state trooper for 16 years and now is retired; and Deacon Barry Skipp, a dispatcher for the Wethersfield Police Department, also assisted.

The history of the Blue Mass dates back to Sept. 29, 1934, when Father Thomas Dade, of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, initiated the Catholic Police and Firemen’s Society.

The name of the Blue Mass evolved from the predominantly blue-colored uniforms of police officers, firefighters and emergency personnel.

"I think it’s wonderful and I hope it continues as an annual celebration," said Patricia Conran, who helped as an usher. "They certainly deserve the recognition."