Page 4 • Wednesday , October 11 , 2023 • The Hammonton Gazette
Blue Mass celebration at SMMCP
by Jennifer McGraw FOR THE GAZETTE
Despite the drizzle , it proved to be a beautiful evening filled with reverence and respect for the courageous men and women who protect the Hammonton community . It was also a time to pay tribute to the fallen responders who made the ultimate sacrifice for their community .
The celebration began with a bilingual Mass early in the evening with opening prayers and hymns . Families of first responders and those who wanted to join the celebration gathered and took in each other ’ s company for an emotional , but
Photos Courtesy of Jennifer McGraw
St . Mary of Mt . Carmel Parish Pastor Father David Rivera ( far back ) speaks to everyone during the Blue Mass celebration for first responders on Sept . 29 .
HAMMONTON — Light rain did not stop the Hammonton community from coming together for a special evening Mass in celebration of fallen soldiers and first responders . St . Mary of Mt . Carmel Parish ’ s St . Joseph Church held an evening Blue Mass celebration for its local first responders on Sept . 29 . Families , especially those related to first responders gathered and celebrated with each other for this special service .
Blue Mass religious services are held in many communities to honor and pray for the safety and well-being of law enforcement officers , firefighters and other first responders . It ’ s usually meant to offer spiritual support , recognition and remembrance for the fallen soldiers and to foster a sense of unity within the community .
Courtesy Photo
The procession at the end of Mass was accompanied by bagpipes . uplifting evening .
“ As we gather this evening , let us give thanks to the Hammonton first responders who put their life on the line to protect and serve our community , as what God has done for all of us ,” Father David Rivera said .
As the evening progressed , a significant aspect of the service for the fallen soldiers was the St . Michael The Archangel Statue and its symbolic relevance to what that means for what first responders do for their communities . The statue shows Saint Michael standing over top of the devil , pierced by a saint ’ s lance . This statue represents Michael ’ s battle against Satan to reestablish divine justice , something first responders are very familiar with .
“ This statue , which represents Saint Michael serving God ’ s ‘ law ’ for divine justice , can translate to our first responders who serve the law in order to protect the Hammonton community ,” Rivera said .
Rivera went on to explain how even though this statue looks like it represents a moment in time , it is actually a daily representation of battles against the devil and evil forces . He acknowledged
Photos Courtesy of Jennifer McGraw
A Blue Mass celebrating fallen soldiers and first responders was held on Sept . 29 . During the Mass , there was also a dedication and blessing of the new St . Michael The Archangel Statue .
that the first responders would love to not and more hymns . to put their life on the line daily , but Following the Mass , the procession made sure to mention they are loved , admired and thanked for their commitment officers in attendance guided the statue
with the St . Michael Statue began . The to serving God by serving the community . was accompanied by a musician on bag-
throughout the church . The procession
During the mass , those in attendance pipes . delved into the book of Revelation , aligning with the significance of the Saint Mi- in attendance about their faith and com-
This moment reminded the community
chael Statue . This was met with song and panionship , and it also showed how special it is to have a strong connection prayer where the community enjoyed the faith-based companionship . between the Hammonton community and
Later in the service beginning with the the brave men and women who serve and first responders , Rivera extended blessings to the first responders present , high-
After the Mass , participants gathered
protect it .
lighting their dedication and sacrifice . at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society Those who remained in their seats were Pavilion for light refreshments , continuing to celebrate and express gratitude for encouraged to keep their hands folded as a gesture of receiving blessings . the dedicated first responders who serve
Before the Blue Mass celebration was their community . over , there was a closing bilingual prayer