Blue Mass to be held at the Cathedral of St. Joseph May 4

 

HARTFORD - Archbishop Leonard P. Blair "will celebrate a Blue Mass to pray for the men and women who protect citizens every day from the perils of our society, and aid communities in their time of need," according to a release. T

 

The sixth annual Archdiocesan Blue Mass will begin at 11 a/.m. May 4^h at the Cathedral of St. Joseph.

"According to the Archbishop, the Mass is an opportunity to come together as the People of God and  recognize the sacrifice of police, firefighters, Department of Correction personnel and other safety employees, and to give reverence to those who have given their lives in service to their neighborhoods," the release said.

Thee Mass is open to the public, and people of all faiths are welcome to attend.

“It takes a special person to put the well-being of others ahead of him or herself,” he said, also in the release.

 "This year a memorial candle will be given to the family of Donavan Alden, a paramedic who was killed in a car accident in March on his way to work. The candle will be engraved with his name and feature the scripture passage, 'No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13).'"

 

Lt. Mark Sticca of the Connecticut State Police Department, a member of the committee responsible for organizing the Mass, said, also in the release, that "families appreciate the prayers dedicated to their loved ones."

 “The Archdiocesan Blue Mass has become a tradition in the Archdiocese of Hartford. It brings family and friends together to pay their respects,” Sticca said. “We hope that friends and families will be part of this special prayer service.”

 

A procession featuring Honor Guards from the: Connecticut State Police, Hartford Police Department, Department of Correction, Statewide Fire Department, along with Connecticut State Police Bagpipers will begin at approximately 10:45 a.m. on Flower St. (a block away from the Cathedral) before the Mass. 

 

 

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