Blue Mass honors first responders, including two Baltimore firefighters who gave their lives

More than 600 people gathered Sept. 15 at St. Joseph’s Monastery Parish in Irvington to attend the Blue Mass. Recognizing and honoring the work of police officers, first responders and firefighters from around the state, the Mass was celebrated by Archbishop William E. Lori and included a presentation of colors, bagpipes and the singing of the national anthem.

Taps is played by a member of the Baltimore City Fire Department at the conclusion of the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s annual Blue Mass honoring fallen first responders Sept. 15, 2024, at Saint Joseph’s Monastery Parish. (Kevin J. Parks/CR Staff)

“Public service officers see and experience human tragedy on a daily basis,” Archbishop Lori said in his homily, noting that first responders respond to cries for help and devote their careers to serving their neighbors.

He encouraged emergency personnel to make “the gift of faith” the anchor in their lives to help them through the challenges of their job.

Police and fire departments from several counties, including Harford, Howard and Baltimore, as well as from Baltimore City, Annapolis, Frostburg and the Maryland Transportation Authority were represented. Baltimore City Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace, Vigilant Hose Co. Chief Josh Brotherton and Frostburg Police Chief Nicholas Costello were all in attendance.

“All the men and women who provide 24-hour service, 365 days of the year, we are thankful for your presence,” Father Michael Murphy, pastor of St. Joseph’s Monastery, said in his opening remarks.

Father Michael Murphy, pastor of Saint Joseph’s Monastery Parish, thanks a member of the Baltimore County Sheriff’s Office following the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s annual Blue Mass honoring fallen first responders Sept. 15, 2024. (Kevin J. Parks/CR Staff)

Families were also recognized by Archbishop Lori because they “share in the sacrifices that you as first responders make every day.”

Two firefighters who lost their lives while battling a fire in October 2023, Baltimore City Firefighter/EMT Rodney Pitts III and Captain Dillon J. Rinaldo, were remembered with the tolling of a bell.

“This was very soothing. When you celebrate this way, it helps keep his memory alive,” said Debbie Willis, Pitts’ grandmother, after the Mass. “He was my oldest grandson. Very special. This was hard but helps.”

Those who died this past year while not in the line of duty were also recognized for their service, with a bell rung after all their names were read.

Archbishop William E. Lori speaks to the sacrifice and dedication of first responders and their families. (Kevin J. Parks/CR Staff)

In the day’s program, it was noted that Father Thomas Dade, a Catholic priest from Baltimore, is recognized as hosting the first Blue Mass in 1934, when he initiated the Catholic Police and Firemen’s Society. Society members dressed in their blue uniforms marched into St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Washington, D.C. to attend Mass Sept. 29, 1934 – now known traditionally as the Blue Mass.

Father Murphy received a round of applause when the archbishop recognized him for his leadership at the monastery and Our Lady of Victory, where he is also pastor, as well as for the gun buyback events he has overseen since its start two years ago.

“It is always great when you get everyone here,” Worley said, afterward. “Archbishop Lori and Father Mike Murphy do a great job putting all this together. They are great supporters of ours. We need all the help we can get.”

Baltimore City Councilman and Public Safety Chairman Mark Conway said he “was honored I was able to take part in the celebration.”

Lt. Anissa Thomas of the Baltimore County Police Department said she attends the Blue Mass every year.

“It is really nice for them to pray for us and the first responders,” she said.

“It is really, really important to take a minute and appreciate them,” Conway said.

To view more photos from the Blue Mass, click through the slideshow below: