Prayer, gratitude mark 25th annual Diocesan Blue Mass

Bishop Joseph Williams led the 25th annual Diocesan Blue Mass on Sept. 29 to honor law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical workers. Hundreds of people, including priests, deacons, religious, laity, and schoolchildren, gathered at Saint Agnes Church in Our Lady of Hope Parish to recognize the service and sacrifice of these first responders.

Deacon Edwin Santos of Holy Eucharist Parish in Cherry Hill delivered the homily. Drawing on his 28 years of service in the United States Air Force, Security Forces, and Department of Homeland Security, Santos said that whether people wear a badge, clerical attire, or a school uniform, the Christian life is about serving God. He noted that the archangels serve as models for this service, with Michael opposing evil, Gabriel announcing the Good News, and Raphael representing God's healing.

Bishop Williams expressed gratitude for the first responders and asked for God's protection over them through the intercession of the archangels.