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Special Masses to pay tribute to emergency, law and health professionals
By John Gleason
In the next two months, the Denver Archdiocese will hold three Masses paying tribute to particular professions: the Blue Mass will honor emergency responders; the Red Mass will pay homage to the legal profession; and the White Mass will acknowledge health care providers. All Masses will be celebrated at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception located at 1530 Logan St. in Denver.
Blue Mass
This year’s Blue Mass to pay tribute to police, firefighters and EMTs (emergency medical technicians) will be held at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 10, the eve of the 10th anniversary of 9/11. The Mass will be celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop James D. Conley.
The Blue Mass takes its name from the traditional color used for police uniforms. The first Blue Mass in Denver was held in 2007 but the history of the celebration goes back to 1934 when Father Thomas Dade initiated the Catholic Police and Firemen’s Society. More than 1,100 police and firefighters took part in that first celebration in September of that year.
Those first responders who wish to participate are asked to RSVP to 303-715-3156 or email john.miller@archden.org.
Red Mass
The 2011 Red Mass, which honors judges, lawyers and legal professionals, is set for 10:30 a.m. Sept. 25. The Mass will be celebrated by Jesuit Father James Conn of the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus. Father Conn, a graduate of Fordham Law School and noted expert in Canon Law is currently Ordinary Professor of Canon Law at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Father Conn will also serve as the homilist. He said he’s looking forward to, “integrating the readings of the day in such a way that would be applicable to a congregation that is largely composed of jurists.”
The Red Mass dates back to 1243 when it was started by Pope Innocent IV. During the liturgy, the congregation asks the Holy Spirit to show them understanding, wisdom and strength for the upcoming term of court. Red vestments are worn by the celebrant to signify the Holy Spirit and martyrdom, invoking the memory of St. Thomas More, the patron of lawyers who was put to death for refusing to acknowledge King Henry VIII as head of the Church in England. At his beheading he told the crowd he was dying as “the king’s good servant—but God’s first.”
A brunch at the University Club will follow the Mass. Judges are invited to vest in their judicial robes and participate in the entrance procession. Those who plan to vest are asked to register with the Office of Liturgy at 303-715-3221 or email tony.schoen berger@archden.org.
White Mass
All members of the medical profession will be honored at the White Mass, organized by the Denver Guild of the National Catholic Medical Association. The Mass, set for 4:30 p.m. Oct. 15, will be celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop James D. Conley.
The White Mass draws its name from the color worn by those in the health care industry. The Mass acknowledges the efforts of doctors, nurses and all health providers under the patronage of St. Luke, patron of physicians and surgeons. Medical students, nursing students and students in health care professions are especially invited to attend.
According to the Catholic Medical Association, the tradition of the White Mass in the United States finds its origins in the development of the association 80 years ago. From its inception the medical profession has been understood as a healing profession and a way in which Christ’s work continues upon the earth. In addition, since the apparitions at Lourdes, France, in the late 19th century, the plight of the infirm and those who care for them have taken on renewed appreciation in participating in the mysteries of Christ’s own life.
Since the White Mass was first celebrated in Denver four years ago, attendance has grown every year, much of it by word-of-mouth. Father Steven Voss, who serves as the Denver guild chaplain, said the reason is that more people know about the Catholic Medical Association.
“It’s a strong sign that so many people in the medical field attend the White Mass,” he said. “The know that they can be working in an environment that’s hostile to Catholic values and ethics. At the Mass they know they’re not alone—that they’re surrounded by other members of the faithful and of the living body of Christ.”
Call 303-715-3144 for more information.
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