Celebrating 'the Protectors … The Guardians … The Defenders'

In celebrating all first responders during the Sept. 29 Blue Mass at St. John the Baptist Parish in Newburgh, Bishop Charles C. Thompson thanked all police officers, firemen, emergency medical technicians, and all others who serve as a safeguard for the citizens of the Diocese of Evansville for making the choice each day to do God’s work.

    “We gather today to remember that nothing goes beyond the scope of God’s presence, sight and mercy,” Bishop Thompson said. ”Through God’s grace you are the protectors, you are the guardians, you are the defenders.

The Blue Mass dates back to Sept. 29, 1934, when Father Thomas Dade incorporated the service as part of his duties with the Catholic Police and Firemen's Society at St. Patrick’s Parish in Washington, D.C.  The service was timed to coincide with the feast day of the Archangels: St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael.  It got its name when more than 1,100 police and firefighters attended the 1934 Mass at St. Patrick’s in their blue dress uniforms. The Blue Mass in Newburgh was the first for the Diocese of Evansville.

    Bishop Thompson recalled the words of Pope Gregory the Great: the word “angel” denotes a function rather than a nature. Michael means ‘like God.’ Gabriel is ‘God’s strength.’ Raphael is the healing power of God. He told the first responders,“That is what you provide: strength, but also healing.”

    Messages of concern over the problems in the world and gratitude for those who answer the call to serve were repeated throughout the Mass. Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke thanked first responders for the high-quality, well-trained protection they provide day in and day out.  Evansville police chief Billy Bolin spoke from the perspective of one performing service, and thanked the community for rallying around officers during the challenging time they are now experiencing. He stressed that during this period of unrest around the country, faith is the number one thing we can all rely on.

    Bishop Thompson emphasized Pope Francis’ call that we need to recognize the evil in our midst. Without that recognition we fail to appreciate all that God is doing for us. “As we’re trying to look for the good in others, it is important for each of us to examine our own consciences and determine where is there a need for growth,” Bishop Thompson said. “What needs to be healed or reconciled in our lives?  We all need to be aware of our predispositions and what God is asking of us.

    “Each of us has our own human intuition on which we rely,” Bishop Thompson said. “But at the end of the day, we also have to rely on God’s grace.  We celebrate that God gives that grace freely and continues to raise us up through his archangels.”

    Following Mass, students from St. John the Baptist School formed a greeting line and waved signs thanking the first responders in attendance for their service. Bishop Thompson and many of the police and first responders got photos with the youngsters.