First responders honored during annual Blue Mass

By Debbie Shelley
The Catholic Commentator

Answering the Gospel call of service for first responders can require rushing into burning buildings or in the midst of bullets being fired. 

This reality was recently underscored with the death of East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputy Nick Tullier, who on May 5 succumbed to injuries resulting from an ambush of six Baton Rouge area law officers July 17, 2016. He is the fourth officer to die from the incident, which followed the shooting of Alton Sterling by law enforcement. 

St. Gerard Majella Church in Baton Rouge honored Tullier, his family and all first responders July 17 in a poignant Blue Mass which recognized them for the sacrifices they make in being among the first to come to the aid of those in need. 

Prior to Mass, first responders greeted people coming into the church and hugged family and friends. The camaraderie continued during Mass with salutes, smiles, tears and hugs. 

At the beginning of Mass, first responders proceeded under an archway of swords provided by the Knights of Columbus, who were dressed in regalia.

St. Gerard pastor Father Tat Hoang connected the readings of the day with the call of service to first responders and everyone else. The readings included the first reading when Abraham immediately extended hospitality to three men who were passing through. 

The other was the Gospel passage which tells the story of Jesus’ visit with Martha and Mary.

Father Hoang noted Abraham’s extension of hospitality to the strangers was rewarded. The three visitors told Abraham that at the same time the following year, Sarah would have a child. Furthermore, through Abraham God makes his covenant with his people, which extends to Christians today. 

“Because of Abraham we are here today,” said Father Hoang. 

He noted that, like Abraham, Christians have a similar call to serve others through hospitality and obedience.

“Every act is paid forward,” said Father Hoang.

Regarding the story of Jesus, Martha and Mary, Father Hoang pointed out that it was Jesus who was there for them in the first place. Each of the women extended hospitality to Jesus but in different ways. 
 

“Every act is paid forward.” 

Father Tat Hoang 

Pastor, St. Gerard

Martha served Jesus through taking care of his physical needs.

Concerning Martha, Father Hoang said, “Martha was anxious and worried, we see more and more of those people today.”

But Mary chose “the better part” in listening to Jesus as a disciple, and it was credited to her and would not be taken from her, according to Father Hoang.

He noted how everyone has a unique call to serve. 

“My brothers and sisters, we are all called to be ‘first responders,’ ” said Father Hoang.
Addressing the first responders Father Hoang said, “First responders, God loves you, loves you without cost, chose you with the special privileges and even courage to respond to (his call).”

During the Mass, he called the first responders forward and they raised their hands in blessing over them.

Tribute was also paid to Tullier at the Mass, and his parents, James and Mary, were presented with a plaque emblazoned with a picture of the fallen officer.

Former Baton Rouge Police Chief Pat Englade, an alumnus of Redemptorist High School, recalled that on that fateful 2016 Sunday attack on officers a Blue Mass had already been scheduled at St. Gerard. 

Protests had been planned in the Baton Rouge area as a result of Sterling’s shooting and the Mass had been scheduled to bring the community together to talk.

While at St. Gerard, Englade said the message came that “you never want to hear: ‘Officers are down.’ ”

Englade urged the assembly to honor law enforcement for their boldness and courage in acting with self-sacrifice in the midst challenges, distress and danger. 
“Shame on us if we ever forget this,” he said.