On the eve of the Feast of the Holy Archangels — revered as powerful protectors within the church — the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth decided to pray over its own civic defenders.
Tarrant County first responders, Catholics or otherwise, gathered Sept. 28 at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church in Arlington for the diocese’s first Blue Mass. The inaugural event was open to city, county, state and federal law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics and their families. The Mass also honored those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Fort Worth Catholic Bishop Michael F. Olson offered the special Monday evening Mass, speaking of the archangels mentioned in the Bible.
Michael, God’s top angel and known as the patron saint of protectors, represents truth and reliance on God’s power when confronting evil. Raphael represents God’s healing, which can connect to the work of firefighters and paramedics healing the wounded. Gabriel, known for his role as the messenger of God, represents God’s strength, resilience and hope needed when people face situations and must depend on God…