October 15, 2017

Blue Mass honors law enforcement, firefighters and first responders

REGIONAL
Story and photos by Carolee McGrath

Members of law enforcement, firefighters and first responders process into St. Michael’s Cathedral in Springfield for the annual Blue Mass, Saturday, Oct. 14.

SPRINGFIELD – Led by a bagpiper, members of law enforcement, firefighters, and first responders processed into St. Michael’s Cathedral in Springfield Saturday, Oct. 14, for the annual Blue Mass held at 4.p.m.

The Mass honors those who put their lives in harm’s way to protect the public. Springfield Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski, principal celebrant, thanked the men and women who serve in communities across the Diocese of Springfield for their bravery and selflessness.

“May we, as God’s people here, never fail to be grateful for your service. We ask that the protection of St. Michael always be upon you,” said Bishop Rozanski during his homily. Father Gary M. Dailey, director of the Newman Catholic Center at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, concelebrated the Mass. Father Dailey is also the chaplain of the Springfield Fire Department.

Many family members attended the Mass, as well as retired members of law enforcement.

South Hadley Police Sgt. Barry O’Connor poses for a picture with his son, Brady.

South Hadley Police Sgt. Barry O’Connor processed in with his 3-year-old son Brady.

“I’m glad they do this every year,” said O’Connor who is a fourth-generation police officer and member of St. Jerome Parish in Holyoke.

“I have a St. Michael medal that I wear before I go out on each shift. I pray that I always come home,” he said. O’Connor also has a wife and 6-year-old daughter to come home to each night.

St. Michael the Archangel, leader of all angels and the army of God, is the patron saint of law enforcement.

For 26-year-old Nate Perez, a Massachusetts state trooper, St. Michael and Jesus Christ come on the job with him each day. His father is Deacon Angel Perez, a Springfield police detective who also served at the Blue Mass.

“When people look to you, they’ll see more than a state trooper, more than a firefighter, more than a police officer or corrections officer. They’ll see a person who yes has a calling to be a public servant. But they’ll see a person who tries to live their life in a Christ-like way,” said Perez, who is also newlywed.

The family of fallen Springfield police officer Kevin Ambrose, killed in the line of duty in June of 2012, also attended the Mass. His brother, Marty Ambrose, is a Springfield police sergeant.

Springfield Police Commissioner John Barbieri and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno were also in attendance. Springfield Fire Commissioner Joseph A. Conant, who is a member of St. Michael Parish in East Longmeadow, said the Mass is important not only for firefighters and law enforcement, but for the wider community.

“It’s important in this day and age with all the things going on in the world with firefighters and police officers and what they’re witnessing. It’s important to recognize them for their service they do on a daily basis,” he said.

The liturgy was taped for broadcast on Sunday morning, Oct. 15 at 10 as part of the “Chalice of Salvation” program on local NBC affiliate WWLP-22NEWS.