The Blue Mass dates to September 29, 1934, when Father Thomas Dade of Baltimore began the service as part of his duties with the Catholic Police and Fireman’s Society. The first liturgy was celebrated at Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Washington, D.C., with over a thousand police and firefighters dressed in blue uniforms. The Blue Mass honors and recognizes the sacrifice of city, county, state, and federal law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical crews, correctional officers, emergency call center personnel, members of the public safety community, and those who have given their lives in service to their communities. 

The Diocese of Austin celebrates this Blue Mass in recognition of the tremendous sacrifice of the people who perform a great and needed service that promotes justice and the common good in society. It is fitting that this Mass is celebrated on the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, the archangels, as according to our faith tradition, the angels possess a great power not only to protect and defend those in danger but also to heal and console those experiencing difficulties. As the People of God gather to recognize, honor, and bless our public safety community on this day we commemorate the archangels, we pray that everyone in our communities recognizes the inherent dignity of human life, realizing that each of us is made in the image of God.

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The 2025 Blue Mass was held on Sept. 29 at St. Louis King of France. See photos here.