PHOTOS: Archbishop McGovern celebrates Blue Mass

“Deliver us from evil” – a line from the “Our Father” – is sometimes answered when first responders come to the rescue, saving people from fires, medical emergencies and other dangers, Archbishop Michael G. McGovern said.

He thanked police officers and firefighters and lifted them up in prayer during an Oct. 13 Blue Mass at St. Wenceslaus Church in Omaha.

The Blue Mass is an annual tradition in Omaha and in cities across the country that honors and remembers first responders.

Among the worshipers were members of Omaha’s fire and police departments, their families, students from St. Wenceslaus School and other supporters.

To open the 10 a.m. Mass, an honor guard presented the flag.

A choir from Creighton Preparatory School in Omaha led the congregation in song.

One of the more poignant moments, though, was a remembrance of those who had served as first responders and had died during the past year. Students placed white roses in a vase on the altar as Omaha Fire Chief Kathy Bossman and Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer read the names of the deceased.

In his homily, Archbishop McGovern reminded the first responders that “nothing can separate them from the love of God.”

Much is asked of them in their difficult jobs, he said, but God’s love is always with them.

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