Bishop Earl Fernandes presided over the Blue Mass honoring firefighters, police, public safety workers, first responders and emergency medical technicians for the first time since becoming the shepherd of the Diocese of Columbus in late May.
Representatives from the Columbus Division of Police, Columbus Division of Fire, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and Ohio State Highway Patrol attended the Mass on Friday, Sept. 9 at Columbus St. Timothy Church, which hosted the event for the 14th year.
The Mass began with a procession that included various organizations. Members of the police and fire divisions also participated in the Mass as lectors and at the presentation of the gifts.
After Holy Communion, the Columbus Division of Police and Fire’s pipes and drums played “Amazing Grace.”
In Bishop Fernandes’ homily, he called first responders ambassadors of peace when they serve their communities and fellow citizens.
“They do so the way Christ went forth from the Father’s side, in the way the Holy Spirit came forth upon the Apostles and sent them into the world, in the way Jesus said, ‘As the Father sends Me, so I send you,’” Bishop Fernandes said.
“Our first responders show wonderful charity, being willing to risk their lives, some even laying down their lives to bring justice to our world. It is not an easy job. People don’t realize the risks you take and the sacrifices you make, what you’re willing to do out of love for others so that we might have peace in our streets, peace in our homes, so that families who may have lost loved ones or have experienced tragic situations can be comforted.
“Sometimes your services are not appreciated, but God sees. He sees your sacrifices. God sees your service, and He will give you your just reward.”
Bishop Fernandes also remembered all who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001 in the terrorist attacks on American soil.
“Sometimes we think of these days, so close to September 11th, as only showing the dark side of humanity,” he said. “With Jesus, the Word made flesh, we see that in humanity there is goodness, that there is goodness along with the shadow of darkness, and that the shadow of darkness, the woundedness, can be healed.
“Each one of us is called to bring the bright light of Christ, His healing power, to those entrusted to our care. Each one of us has been entrusted with a stewardship to protect and to serve the gift of human life.
“We heard in the opening remarks before Mass from St. John’s Gospel, ‘There is no greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’ And when we think of giving one’s life for another, we need only look at the crucifix to see what that looks like: a willingness to present our life in a way that’s actually life giving, to make a gift and an offering of ourselves in order to save some, to protect and to heal.”
The bishop wrapped up his homily by expressing gratitude for all those who serve in selfless ways.
“So, to our first responders, I say, ‘Thank you for all you do.’ And I also say, ‘Thanks be to God for each of you.’”
