MADISON — The ninth annual Blue Mass was celebrated on May 7. This beautiful yearly tradition honors first responders and gives the faithful a chance to pray with and for them.

Mass celebrated

The Mass was held at the Cathedral of St. Bernard of Clairvaux campus in their gymnasium.

The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison, with several priests of the diocese concelebrating, including Fr. Michael Radowicz, pastor of the Cathedral of St. Bernard of Clairvaux. 

Fittingly, the Mass celebrated was a votive Mass of the Guardian Angels. 

The faithful could pray that the angels will protect local police, firefighters, and EMT personnel, even as they labor to protect the community.

During the Mass, candles were lit in honor of those who have fallen in service to their community.

Members of the Dane County Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard, Madison Police Honor Guard, and Wisconsin Fire & EMS Memorial Honor Guard assisted at the liturgy. 

The Knights of Columbus were also present, with members of the Bishop William P. O’Connor Fourth Degree Honor Guard assisting. 

Members of the Cathedral Choir contributed their talents to the occasion. 

Words of gratitude

In his homily, the bishop thanked first responders for their generosity and selflessness, and reflected that their work is a profound witness to human dignity and unconditional love: whoever calls, whoever needs help, they will respond. 

At the end of Mass, Chief John Patterson of the Madison Police Department, Sheriff Kalvin Barrett of the Dane County Sheriff’s Department, and Brian Hageman of the Wisconsin Fire & EMS Memorial Honor Guard spoke. Each offered his gratitude for the Blue Mass.

Patterson mentioned his love for the Packers and his parish. 

When he’s not in uniform, he’s happy to keep a low profile, so at Mass he typically sits in the back. “And I’m happy to let everyone around us mostly hear my daughters and my wife sing,” he added.   

He asked the faithful to keep them in their prayers throughout the year. The job is a “profoundly good” but “profoundly challenging” one. Mental health struggles, especially PTSD, are a reality many first responders face. 

A simple “thank you for your service,” or a daily prayer can be a humble but important means to assist them. “Your prayers or a simple thank you, I think, can be exactly what they need to feel appreciated that particular day,” said Patterson.   

Facing fear

The sheriff spoke to the fear that comes as part of the job for every first responder. It’s a fear that must be faced constantly and constantly overcome in order to do what they do. 

Personally, he wakes up every morning and checks his phone, hoping nothing’s happened to anyone in his department.

 “We pray that there’s not a missed call. We pray that there’s not an email saying something happened to one of our own,” said Barrett. 

And every time that there isn’t bad news, he thanks God. “We think two things. Number one, ‘Thank you, Lord.’ Number two, ‘Blessed are the peacekeepers, for they shall be known as the children of God.’”

Hageman, as a district commander of the Wisconsin Fire & EMS Memorial Honor Guard, volunteers across the state. Often, he’s visiting a department on “their darkest day,” when they’ve lost someone. 

In the midst of that darkness and the broader challenges of being a first responder in today’s world, he’s grateful for those in the community who offer their support. 

“I just wanted to thank you all for being here,” said Hageman. “If you would, keep our honor guard members and all our first responders in your hearts and in your prayers.”

After the Mass, solemnity gave way to cheerful conversation and a reception provided by Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care.