May 6, 2019

Berkshire County Knights of Columbus host the annual Blue Mass

REGIONAL
Story and photos by Nick Morganelli

PITTSFIELD – Active and retired firefighters, police officers, and first responders gathered for the annual Blue Mass for Berkshire County at St. Joseph Church, here, Sunday, May 5.

The Mass was celebrated by Springfield Bishop Emeritus Timothy A. McDonnell. Concelebrants were Father Peter Gregory, chaplain, and Msgr. Michael A. Shershanovich, pastor of St. Joseph’s.

Bishop McDonnell’s homily was echoed by Lt. Col. Tom Grady of the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office, who spoke about how important it was to come together in faith, celebrate and give thanks for those who serve, have served, or were lost responding to the call.

Grady referenced Sunday’s Gospel reading, noting, “When we listen to the words of the Gospel today in talking about the apostles and all the things that happened in the life of Christ, we are reminded of our role in the community being supporters and being part of that team to be able to bring comfort and safety to these families.”

“Faith on Fire” is a term used to describe someone doing incredible things for God’s glory, one who is led by the Holy Spirit. Lanesboro volunteer fire fighter and EMT Mary Reilly gave that term a new meaning.

“We’ve been known to get together and say a prayer before we go out,” said Reilly. “Not that all of our membership is Catholic, but I think they all bond together in times of stress. It’s helpful to be together and say a prayer and we’re all there for one another.”

Robert Czerwinski, Pittsfield’s fire chief, expressed his gratitude for the department’s chaplain.  

“Father Peter Gregory has been an outstanding chaplain for us,” Czerwinski said. “We’ve got one member in particular that has developed ALS and he’s been right along there with him in his battle for the last six or seven years. He’s worked alongside the deputy chief and the fire department and we just had an event where we dedicated a fire engine to him. We appreciate the work he does.”

A reception was held after the Mass in St. Joseph’s parish center. There was a brief program which included speaking about the memorial table that was set in the room by State Trooper Andy Canata. Each item on the table has a special significance.  White linen adorned the table for the fallen person’s purity and willingness to answer the call to duty; a candle for the light of hope; a single rose for loved ones and families of the fallen; a slice of lemon representing their bitter fate; salt symbolizing families’ tears; and a Bible representing the strength achieved from faith.

Local worshipers will have another opportunity this year to show gratitude and salute those who protect and serve, keep communities safe, and save lives at the next Blue Mass that will be held in Springfield in early autumn.

A video version of this story will be featured on an upcoming edition of “Real to Reel,” which airs Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. on WWLP-22NEWS and in the Berkshires Sunday mornings at 5:30 on Albany’s Fox 23, WXXA.