FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – A Catholic Mass for Central Valley first responders was held Friday at the St. John’s Cathedral in Fresno.
Whether they’re catholic, religious, or non-spiritual, Valley first responders were invited to the 10 th annual Blue Mass, to pray over them and just show gratitude for all they do.
“What I’m most passionate about is the reason we’re here is Thanksgiving, that’s what the word Eucharist means,” said Bishop Joseph Brennan of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno.
While the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno has been putting on this mass for 10 years, the service dates back to 1934.
“At the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., and it got really popular in the Northeast,” Brennan said.
It spread nationwide, a way to honor local police officers and firefighters.
Heros, like Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni.
“I’m a lifelong Catholic, gone to Catholic schools, so it’s very special to me to be here, I am honored that the bishop does this,” said Zanoni.