Fr. David Esquiliano, rector of the Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City and chaplain to the Sioux City Police Department, explains the Blue Mass — the nearly century-old American Catholic tradition of praying for police, firefighters, and EMTs. He traces the custom back to 1934, unpacks why it's tied to St. Michael the Archangel, and describes the deep historical bond between Catholic immigrant communities and first-responder professions. Fr. David also previews the Diocese of Sioux City's fourth annual Blue Mass on September 28, which is open to everyone — Catholic or not — and followed by a Knights of Columbus meal, including a drive-through option for those on duty.
Fr. David Esquiliano — rector of the Cathedral of the Epiphany, pastor of the Cathedral Parish in Sioux City, and chaplain to the Sioux City Police Department — joins Bo Bonner to explain what a Blue Mass is and why it matters. The tradition dates to 1934 in the United States and takes its name from the blue uniforms of police officers, though in the Diocese of Sioux City it's extended to firefighters, EMTs, and all first responders: the people who run toward danger when everyone else is running away.
Fr. David walks through the connection to St. Michael the Archangel, patron saint of law enforcement, whose feast falls on September 29 alongside St. Gabriel and St. Raphael — which is why most dioceses schedule the Blue Mass either near Michaelmas or during National Police Week in May. He also talks about the historic bond between Catholic immigrant communities and first-responder professions, from the bagpipe traditions carried over by Irish and Scottish immigrants to the ministry he's carried out as a chaplain in both Sioux City and Storm Lake.
He's clear that the Blue Mass isn't only for Catholics. The invitation extends to first responders of any faith or none, and to the wider community — especially families, who often carry a burden of their own when a spouse or parent comes home unable to talk about what they've seen.
Details: The Diocese of Sioux City's fourth annual Blue Mass is Monday, September 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Epiphany, 10th and Douglas in downtown Sioux City, with Bishop John E. Keehner celebrating. A Knights of Columbus meal follows at 6:30 p.m., and a drive-through meal will be available for any first responder who can't stay — no need to attend the Mass to come by for a plate. More information at Cathedral of the Epiphany.
Heard on the Catholic Morning Show, weekdays at 7 a.m. Central on Iowa Catholic Radio. More at IowaCatholicRadio.com.
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