People file out of the Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul following Sunday’s Blue Mass in Lewiston. Attendees included Gov. Janet Mills, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins and former Gov. Paul LePage. The Blue Mass is celebrated annually in the Catholic Church for those who work in public safety, including police officers, firefighters, correctional officers, 911 operators, EMS personnel and all others who are first to respond. Bishop Robert P. Deeley presided over the Mass. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

A day of gratitude, honoring the fallen and praying for the safety first responders began with the sound of marching heels walking down the main aisle of the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

Visible on the Bartlett Street side of the basilica were ladder trucks from the Lisbon and Lewiston Fire Departments, displaying a large American flag as a multi-jurisdictional honor guard comprised of members of four public safety departments posted the colors in front of the sanctuary.

An assembly of hundreds stood in silence, with the pews full of either first responders and those wishing to thank them.

Bishop Robert Deeley, priests and deacons processed in, starting the 2021 Blue Mass, a tradition in the Diocese of Portland.

The Blue Mass — referring to the blue uniforms that some firefighters, law enforcement and other first responders wear — dates back to 1934 and recognizes the dedication and self-sacrifice of all first responders. The events of September 11, 2001, served as the impetus for the Diocese of Portland to institute the Blue Mass locally.

“It is a good thing that brings us together this morning. We are here to perform an act of duty. We are here to remember,” the bishop told the assembly. “We gather in thanks for the generosity of those who were the first responders, those who rushed into falling buildings to try to save those who were trying to get out, those who struggled to get the wounded to hospitals despite the difficulties, those who protected the citizens of the country when no one was sure what was happening. We must always remember that gratitude.”

“Our first responders, police, firefighters, disaster personnel, game wardens, EMTs, and others keep us safe each day,” the bishop said during his homily. “We have certainly seen that during this year as we live through this pandemic. The strain on these first responders has been great as they themselves cope with an illness that has challenged all of us.”

Police and fire departments across the state are facing a depletion in personnel, forcing first responders to work more shifts and longer hours, a reality that makes their commitment that much more commanding of respect, according to the bishop.

“In making arrangements for the Mass today, for example, I was told that it might be difficult to see a large number of first responders attend because they are stretched thin in keeping sufficient people on duty to maintain the safety of their communities,” said the bishop. “In remembering the heroism of September 11^th and its aftermath, we need also to express our gratitude for the continuing service of the same groups of people. There have been challenges this year when some of our first responders might have wondered about that support. Some of our first responders have even been subject to attack. All the more does that make a gathering such as this necessary. It is a reminder of the good that is done by those who help to keep order in our society. That is the act of duty we live out together this morning.”

First responders from as far as southern York County and Penobscot County were at the Mass, as were elected representatives from the local, state, and federal level, including Sen. Susan Collins, Gov. Janet Mills, and former Gov. Paul LePage. Also in attendance were Lewiston Mayor Mark Cayer, Androscoggin County commissioners, city councilors, state representatives and senators, State Fire Marshal Joe Thomas, Commissioner Judy Camuso of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Public Safety Commissioner Michael Sauschuck, Commander Mark Neeland of the U.S. Coast Guard, and several local police and fire chiefs.

Many of the Mass’ participants are also connected to the public safety community, including two of the deacons. Deacon Kevin Jacques has served as the chaplain for the Biddeford Fire and Police Departments and the Saco Fire Department for two decades. Deacon Jeffrey Lewis, who is currently the chaplain for the Gardiner Fire Department, was an EMS provider for over 38 years and has served as a firefighter. Representatives from different public safety agencies served as gift bearers, while Auburn Police Chief Jason Moen and Detective Joe Philippon of the Lewiston Police Department served as readers.

Bishop Deeley commended them all during the Mass, saying that the task of those who want to follow Christ is the same task that Jesus shows in his own life: serving others.

“It is giving of self, not getting for self. In sum, it is what we pause to honor today as we give thanks for the service of those who have chosen in their careers to serve the common good by watching over the safety of the public in the communities of our state. We give thanks for their service as we pray that we might all hear the call of the Gospel today and challenge ourselves to follow the Lord in service to one another.”

The Mass ended with Scott Vaillancourt, the director of music for the basilica, performing a stirring organ rendition of “America the Beautiful” along with trumpeters Alan Kaschub and Dan Laciano.

The Blue Mass is planned and organized by the diocese along with representatives from local, state and federal public safety departments and agencies.