By Mary Frances McCarthy
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 10/7/04)

"When people do their worst, you do your best."

That was the sentiment expressed by Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde last weekend at the diocese’s first Blue Mass celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington.

"You are the unsung heroes and heroines of our time," the bishop said. "Yours is a constant commitment to secure and protect our community."

On the feast day of Guardian Angels, police, firefighters and emergency medical technicians from Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax and Prince William County gathered with their families at the Mass to "remember those who have fallen, honor you here present, thank you, pray for and support you," the bishop said. "Possibly, some of us here tonight are alive because of your sacrifice. How proud we are of you and that is why we honor you tonight."

In his homily, the bishop compared public safety officers to guardian angels. "God’s love is revealed to us by surrounding us with other guardians … the men and women in blue, whom God wills to defend us, assist us and rescue us."

Officer Chris Murphy of the gang unit in Arlington said it was "somewhat overwhelming to have someone speak the words (the bishop) did. It really makes what you do seem worthwhile. It makes you very proud to be a police officer. This is the reason we do what we do."

Father Robert Rippy, diocesan chancellor and chaplain for the Arlington County Police Department, worked together with Soren Johnson, director of communications for the diocese in organizing the first Blue Mass. Aside from recognizing and honoring public service officers, Father Rippy also wanted to see the Mass celebrated in order to raise awareness among people in the diocese of these "men and women in blue" who faithfully serve their communities.

The Mass was concelebrated by Father Rippy; Father Jerry Wooten, parochial vicar at St. Leo the Great in Fairfax and chaplain for the Fairfax County Police Department; Father Paul deLadurantaye, diocesan secretary for religious education and sacred liturgy; Father Matthew Zuberbueler, parochial vicar at the Cathedral; and Father Paul Berghout, parochial vicar at Our Lady of Angels in Woodbridge. Brother David Eddy, secretary to the bishop, served as master of ceremonies.

A reception was held in Burke Hall following the Mass.