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METUCHEN — It was a day to thank those who had sworn to protect and serve, “our partners in working for the common good,” declared Bishop James F. Checchio to the law enforcement personnel filling the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Oct. 26 for the 20th annual Blue Mass.
The bishop presided at the Mass, which honors the living and deceased police personnel who live and serve in the counties served by the diocese: Hunterdon, Middlesex, Somerset and Warren.
Local and state dignitaries, as well as grateful citizens and students, filled the pews and choir loft to show their gratitude for the “men and women in blue.”
“With the hard times we have been dealing with, and the world in general, it is important to get together in a positive way,” said Virginia Lopez, a member of the New Brunswick Police Department.
New Jersey State Police Sgt. 1st Class James Doyle said, “We are here to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and support the families.”
On Main Street outside the Cathedral, a firetruck dangled a colossal American flag from its extended ladder. Police cars with whirling red and blue lights, a long row of police motorcycles, mounted policemen, tactical officers and even a trio of sharpshooters atop the adjacent St. Francis Cathedral School roof further alerted all passersby to the grand and reverential event about to begin.
A police honor guard marched into the Cathedral in perfect, staccato time and was followed closely by tartan-clad pipers and drummers.
Joining Bishop Checchio in the procession were concelebrating priests of the diocese who serve as police chaplains; representatives from this year’s host agency, the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office, served as readers, gift bearers and assistants at the liturgy.
In his homily, Deacon Patrick Smith of St. James the Less Parish, Jamesburg, reflected upon his 30 years as a member of the Jamesburg Police Department. He advised his brothers and sisters in blue to stay focused and follow the words of the Gospel.
“Strive to enter through the narrow door,” Smith said, “for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough… For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last. (Lk 13:22-30)”
“Jesus is the narrow path. [He] guides us,” Deacon Smith said. “Our path is not easy, the world outside is not easy.
The outside world can distract us, can change us as a person, but if you have a focus on Jesus Christ, a focus on God, a focus on goodness and justice and decency that we all swore to uphold, we can follow the right path with honor and love.
“Without all of your service to society, it might not seem that way,” the deacon continued. “It is your honorable service that keeps society safe. Stay strong and follow the path. Keep the faith, brothers and sisters.”
After the Liturgy of the Eucharist, bagpipers and drum corps strode down the Cathedral’s center and side aisles, then stood at attention as an officer from the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office read the Police Officers’ Prayer, which beseeches St. Michael for “protection from all mental, physical and spiritual harm.”
The names of those officers who had died in the line of duty since the inception of the Blue Mass were read aloud, a bell tolling after each name. Bishop Checchio greeted family members of the most recently deceased, Perth Amboy Police Lt. David Formeza, and presented them with a statue of St. Michael the Archangel vanquishing the devil, inscribed with “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (Jn 15:13).
A single bagpiper squeezed out the plaintive strains of “Amazing Grace” in the hushed church, the remaining members of the Middlesex County Police and Fire Pipe and Drum Corps joining him on the second verse in a window-rattling, heartstring-tugging profession of faith. S.W.A.T. team members fired a 21-gun salute outside on the plaza, and a bugler played the mournful “Taps” in honor of the fallen.
Scores of officers lined the Cathedral steps and the curb along Main Street following the liturgy. Bishop Checchio blessed and reviewed them, extending his thanks for their selfless service.
