First responders and emergency services personnel from around the St. Cloud Diocese gathered for a “Blue Mass” in their honor May 19 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud.
“We celebrate and pray for you, today’s [Good] Samaritans, who stop, bind up wounds, protect and care for the hurt, the lost, the confused and the angry,” Bishop Donald Kettler said in his homily at the Mass.
“We pray that none of you will ever have to sacrifice your life in the service you render,” he said. “But tonight at this Blue Mass we thank God for giving you women and men the willingness and the readiness to do so.”
The event also included a recognition of years of service, a blessing for all emergency workers and a reception after the Mass.
One of the ladder trucks from the St. John’s Abbey and University Fire Department parks in front of the cathedral during the Blue Mass. (Dianne Towalski/The Visitor)
