LINCOLN (SNR) – The annual Blue Mass in support of law enforcement and first responders was celebrated Sept. 11 in the Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln. Bishop Emeritus Fabian Bruskewitz celebrated the Mass.
Related item: slideshow of images from the Blue Mass
Special prayers were offered for the repose of the soul of Mario Herrera of St. Teresa Parish in Lincoln, a member of the Lincoln Police Department who was shot Aug. 26 in the line of duty. Herrera died from his injuries Sept. 7.
The annual Blue Mass honors all active, deceased and retired law enforcement, fire and rescue and corrections personnel. 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.
During the Mass, representatives of each agency read the names of all those members who died in the last 12 months, to be prayed for by name during the Prayers of the Faithful. Among those mentioned was Lancaster County Deputy Sheriff Troy Bailey, who died just seven hours before the Mass, days after suffering a heart attack.
After the Mass, emergency vehicles from each agency were blessed outside the Cathedral as students from Cathedral School watched, then presented letters of thanks to the officers present.
Herrera’s funeral Mass was celebrated Sept. 12 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln. Father Jamie Hottovy, pastor of St. Teresa Parish where the Herrera family are members, celebrated the funeral Mass. Archbishop George Lucas of Omaha, apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Lincoln, Bishop Emeritus Fabian Bruskewitz of Lincoln, and 20 priests took part in the Mass.
Several thousand law officers attended in uniform. Police officers from across Nebraska and even as far as Massachusetts attended.
In his homily, Father Hottovy spoke about Officer Herrera’s dedication to his family, his faith and his community. Father Hottovy noted the hope that Christians have, even in the face of incredibly trying times and death.
“In the tragedy of these days, we pray that God, the giver and receiver of all life, will bring your loving husband and father to a new birth of everlasting life in heaven,” Father Hottovy said. “This is our Christian hope. This is what we believe.”
At the end of Mass, Jeff Bliemeister, LPD chief of police, gave a videotaped presentation and said Herrera represented the best in humanity and law enforcement in and through his encounters with the people whom he met in his work.
“Mario spent his life addressing society’s most complex issues,” Chief Bliemeister said. “He gave comfort to individuals and families when they were most vulnerable, confused, and uncertain in terms of what the future held,” he said. “Mario served the community with integrity, empathy, humility, and grace,” he added. “Those traits defined his work and will be forever etched into our memories.”
Nebraska governor Pete Ricketts also spoke. He too noted the many challenges faced by law enforcement officers today. Governor Ricketts told officers present that Nebraskans support them in their work.
“Mario was a man of courage, and especially today, it takes a lot of courage to bear the weight of that badge. I want the family and all of the members of law enforcement here to know: we support you, and we appreciate your sacrifice,” Governor Ricketts said.
Officer Herrera’s brother Francisco spoke about their childhood. The two, only 13 months apart in age, spent most of their growing up years together.
Francisco talked about how his brother Mario was a true family man, caring and providing for them.
He said Mario brought these same human characteristics of compassion, mercy, and understanding to the people whom he encountered.
Archbishop George Lucas prayed the prayers of Final Commendation at the end of Mass.
At the end of Mass, the end of watch was broadcast for Officer Herrera. Pipes and drums played as the clergy, family, and law enforcement officers processed out.
After the Mass, scores of police cruisers and police motorcycles comprised the funeral procession, several miles long, that wound through downtown Lincoln to Calvary Cemetery at 40th and O streets where Officer Herrera was buried.
Fr. Kenneth Borowiak contributed to this report.
