United States Border Patrol Chief Carla L. Provost, left, offers a hug to a U.S. Border Patrol agent as they attend the 25th Annual Blue Mass held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Washington on May 7, 2019. (CBP photo by Glenn Fawcett)
Hundreds of law enforcement officers, firefighters, first responders and others gathered at St. Patrick Church in Washington, D.C., on May 7 for the 25th Blue Mass to invoke God’s blessing on law enforcement personnel.
“We celebrate today the lives of those who have been lost in the line of duty. We celebrate today their memory. We celebrate today all our first responders,” said Msgr. Salvatore Criscuolo, pastor of St. Patrick Church, who serves as chaplain to the D.C. Metropolitan Police, other D.C. first responders and several federal law enforcement agencies.
Msgr. Criscuolo served as homilist at the Mass. Paraphrasing the biblical passage from John 15:13, Msgr. Criscuolo said, “We know there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for another. Today we remember those who laid down their lives.”
Members of the US Customs and Border Protection Honor Guard exit St Patricks Catholic Church during the opening ceremony of the 25th Annual Blue Mass held in Washington on May 7 2019 CBP photo by Glenn FawcettAttorney General Bill Barr attends the 25th Annual Blue Mass held at St Patricks Catholic Church in Washington on May 7 2019 CBP photo by Glenn FawcettActing Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan and Acting Deputy Homeland Security Secretary David Pekoske attend the 25th Annual Blue Mass at St Patricks Catholic Church in Washington on May 7 2019 DHS photo by Tim D GodbeeMembers of the US Customs and Border Protection Honor Guard play bagpipes at the start of the 25th Annual Blue Mass held at St Patricks Catholic Church in Washington on May 7 2019 CBP photo by Glenn Fawcett
Homeland Security Today
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.
