PROVIDENCE — Police officers from around the state gathered at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul on Sunday to honor their fellow officers and pray for peace at the first annual diocesan Blue Mass. Chaplains of various local police departments joined Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, main celebrant, in honoring those who serve in law enforcement with the celebration of Holy Mass.
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“It is certainly my privilege to welcome you all to our beautiful cathedral this morning,” said Bishop Tobin. “A special welcome to all of our law enforcement officers who are here today from throughout the state.”
The Blue Mass is traditionally offered in the United States to recognize police and other first responders for their service as well as remember those who have died in the line of duty. Sunday’s Mass, which was well-attended by both state and local law enforcement, was the first Blue Mass that has been celebrated at a diocesan level in Rhode Island.
“We come together as a community to offer to them our profound appreciation and support for all that they do,” said Bishop Tobin.
The Mass was offered for peace and justice, a theme that featured prominently in the bishop’s homily. Recalling St. Paul’s appeal during the second reading that prayers be offered “for kings and all in authority,” he spoke about the challenge facing law enforcement as they work to maintain peace in a society that often functions counter to these efforts.
“We long for peace and justice and harmony, but too often, far too often, there’s violence, persecution, division and confrontation as a reality of life,” said Bishop Tobin. “How do we bridge that gap? How do we make the ideal of peace and justice and harmony a reality in our everyday life?”
In addition to working for structural change and seeking harmony in their own lives, Bishop Tobin encouraged the officers to remember to pray and turn to God as a source of strength in their work and personal lives.
“It is so important that all those who work in law enforcement have their own lives of faith, that you recognize that ultimately your strength, your protection, your motivation for all you do comes from a higher source, comes from God,” he said.
He concluded his homily by expressing his thanks to all members of law enforcement for their role in the community and their willingness to offer up their own safety in an effort to serve the public and bring peace and justice to society.
“Thank you so very much for your generous service. I hope and pray that even in the trials and tribulations of the day that you never get discouraged, that you recognize you are making a real and important contribution. You are making the world and our communities a much better place, a much brighter place, to live.”
Special recognition was given to Col. Steven O’Donnell, who announced his retirement as superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police last month. O’Donnell spoke at the end of Mass, recognizing those involved with the planning of the event and thanking all in attendance for coming together as a community.
“Today’s Mass is a testament to our faith,” he said. “Our faith is our strongest ally. Thank you for attending.”
O’Donnell also thanked Bishop Tobin personally and presented him with a Stetson-style uniform hat in recognition of the support of the Diocese of Providence for law enforcement.
“I know I speak for all police officers here today and those unable to attend who work tirelessly every day in our communities to keep everybody safe. We thank you and we honor you for honoring us,” he said.
Following the Mass, police officers, clergy and family gathered for an outdoor reception in Cathedral Square. Father Joseph Escobar, chaplain of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association and one of the organizers of the Blue Mass, spoke with Rhode Island Catholic about the importance of the event for the diocese as well as law enforcement.
“I felt given the climate we’re in today that the police should have their own celebration to pray together and support each other and for the public to support them as well,” he said.
Providence Police Chief Col. Hugh T. Clements Jr., who also assisted in organizing the Mass, added that it is important that police officers receive opportunities to come together in prayer. Faith, he said, plays an important role in helping officers process the violent acts of crime they witness on a regular basis.
“We respond to these routine calls for violence with victims and it’s disturbing to see how mankind treats each other,” said Clements. “It’s a tough job and without question we keep the peace.”
Among those who participated in the Mass was Providence patrol officer and St. Pius V parishioner Kristen Barth-Cafaro, who joined the force in 2014. A seventh-generation police officer, she said entering law enforcement was something she always planned on.
“It’s just what I’ve always wanted to do,” she said.
Following the Mass, Barth-Cafaro met up with longtime family friend Karen Cileli, for whom the event had its own special significance.
“It was very emotional. My husband was a cop for 27 years and he just retired and passed away, so it was tough but good to see,” she said.
“My husband taught her everything she knows,” she added, referring to Barth-Cafaro.
Clarence Gough, a retired officer who served on the Providence police force for 34 years, said he appreciated the Blue Mass and thought the event was a success.
“It was a fantastic Mass,” he said. “The participation from other agencies was great. Having the families there was great.”
Gough added that he enjoyed seeing his fellow law enforcement officials honored for their service. As police officers, he felt they did not always receive recognition for their work in keeping the public safe.
“We’re the parent in the community,” he said.
