All welcome to honor law enforcement, rescue personnel
LINCOLN (SNR) – The annual Blue Mass in support of law enforcement and first responders will be held Friday, Sept. 11 at 11 a.m. in the Cathedral of the Risen Christ, 3500 Sheridan Blvd, Lincoln.
Special prayers will be offered for Mario Herrera of St. Teresa Parish in Lincoln, a Lincoln Police Department officer shot Aug. 26 in the line of duty. Herrera has undergone several surgeries at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha and remains in critical condition.
Father Justin Wylie, rector of the Cathedral, will celebrate the Mass. Masks and social distancing will be in place, based on the local directed health measures.
The annual Blue Mass honors all active, deceased and retired law enforcement, fire and rescue and corrections personnel, and all are invited to attend. One does not need to be a member of law enforcement to come – or even Catholic. The Mass is open to anyone who wants to show their support. The event is hosted by the Lincoln 4th Degree Knights of Columbus.
The tradition of the Blue Mass originated in New York in 2002 to honor the men and women who gave their lives trying to save civilians during the Sept. 11 terrorist attack the previous year. The name comes from the blue uniforms traditionally worn by police officers.
In 2013, the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus hosted the first Blue Mass at St. Mary Church in Lincoln. Manny Gallardo, a former captain in the Nebraska State Patrol and member of the Knights of Columbus said the Knights decided to pursue the Blue Mass to honor the deceased members of each agency who have died.
During the Mass, representatives of each agency will be invited to come forward to read the names of those who died in the last 12 months, so that all will be prayed for by name during the Prayers of the Faithful.
The Mass will include in procession the Lincoln Fire & Rescue Pipe & Drum, and a mixed-agency law enforcement honor guard in dress uniform.
After the Mass, emergency vehicles from each agency will be blessed outside the Cathedral.
