19th Annual Blue Mass

In spite of today’s rainy weather, public safety and law enforcement officers from the Washington, DC Metropolitan area gathered at St.Patrick’s Catholic Church to pray for a mass to honor those who serve in law enforcement and fire safety, and remember the fallen. The Mass included an honor guard, bagpipers, and the solemn playing of "Taps" in memory of those who gave their lives in the past year.

Blue Mass began in 1934, when police officers gathered to pray for their fallen comrades and seek God's blessing for their own safety. The tradition stopped in the mid-1970s but has since resumed in grander fashion than ever. The name "Blue Mass" comes from the traditional color of many officers' uniforms.

The principal celebrant and homilist for the Blue Mass was His Eminence Donald Cardinal Wuerl.

Police Officers’ Prayer to St. Michael, the Archangel
(Courtesy of St. Patrick Catholic Church):

Dear Saint Michael, Your name means, “Who is Like a God”, and it indicates that You remained faithful when others rebelled against God. Help the police officers of our day who strive to stem the rebellion and evil that are rampant on all sides. Keep them faithful to their God as well as to their country and their fellow human beings. Amen.

For more information about National Police Week 2013, including a complete schedule of events, visit www.LawMemorial.org/PoliceWeek.