Bishop celebrates “Blue Mass” for law enforcement and public safety officers

For Immediate Release

September 13, 2017

ARLINGTON, Va.  – We rely on them to keep us safe and to be there in the event of an emergency, and for this the Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington will celebrate Mass in their honor 5:30 p.m. Saturday, September 16, 2017, at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More. All police departments and fire/rescue departments located in the Diocese of Arlington are invited to attend to remember their fellow first responders who have fallen in the line of duty and to pray for the safety of all public safety officers.

Attending the Mass will be directors, chiefs, public safety officers and their families. 

Deputy Daniel Murray, a 40-year veteran of the Arlington County Police Department says he will attend.  “We are very appreciative of the Diocese recognizing the important functions the first responder community performs,” says Murray.

In a statement, Bishop Burbidge says “Our first responders offer daily and dedicated service to protecting us and our community.  We are most grateful for the selfless sacrifices they make and pray that God will bless and watch over them always.”

The Blue Mass is a tradition that began in 1934 at Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Washington, D.C., to honor and pray for the men and women who protect our cities, counties, and nation. This will be the fourteenth year the Diocese of Arlington holds Blue Mass.

Here are the details:

When:           5:30 p.m. – Saturday, September 16, 2016

Where:         Cathedral of Saint Thomas More, 3901 Cathedral Lane,  Arlington