First responders, their families, school staff, and children gathered at St. Michael Church on September 29 for the second Blue Mass held by the Archdiocese of Louisville.

Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre welcomed attendees and said, “It’s a delight to be here at St Michael Church, their patron, on this feast of St. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, the archangels.”

The Blue Mass is an annual event celebrated across the country to honor and pray for first responders. It is also known as the Mass for the preservation of peace and justice. St. Michael is recognized as the patron saint of first responders and law enforcement.

During his homily, Father Jeffery Shooner, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Louisville, spoke about the contributions of first responders to society and highlighted qualities associated with each archangel: “As we gather with first responders today, we recognize that in you, as well, those attributes are made present. Those attributes are made real in your very work and lives. That you bring something of that opening of heaven in the midst of the trials and tribulations that you so expertly and dedicatedly serve,” he said.

The event was attended by several officials including Kentucky Attorney General Russell Colman; Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg; Jeffersontown Mayor Carol Pike; Executive Director of Emergency Services Jody Meinman; Chief of Louisville Metro Police Department Paul Humphrey; and Rev. Dr. Teresa Walton O’Bannon, chaplain for Louisville Metro Police Department.

At the end of the service, students from St. Michael School gave handmade cards to first responders to thank them on behalf of both parish and school communities.

Afterward, children interacted with first responders outside the church where they learned about emergency equipment such as a helicopter, ambulance, and firetruck.