PHOTOS | 'A Vocation of Sacrifice': Archbishop Aquila Honors First Responders at Denver's Blue Mass
- Guest Contributor
- 3 hours ago
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At the Cathedral Basilica, the archbishop reminded police, firefighters, and paramedics that God’s peace is found through prayer — even amid danger and sacrifice.
By Joe Donelson
“You will have much more peace if you pray than if you do not pray,” said Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila in his homily to a crowd of Denver’s brave first responders at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. “The Lord wants you to have that peace.”
In honor of Denver’s firefighters, police officers and all emergency responders, the archbishop offered a Blue Mass in the archdiocese’s downtown Cathedral Basilica on Sunday. Back after a multi-year hiatus, the Mass represents the prayers lifted up by the Catholic community for those who sacrifice their time, well-being and very lives to ensure the safety of others.
In his homily, the archbishop addressed the sacrifices made by first responders and reminded the faithful that our burdens are eased when we rely on Christ.
“Every one of you first responders has a good heart. You would not be in your profession if you did not have a good heart,” he said. “You seek good in others. But it’s very easy when you encounter difficult situations — and even evil situations, sinful situations — every day to grow bitter or resentful or angry. All of that we need to bring to Christ. He is there to listen, and he wants to help you. He is with you, even in those most difficult situations.”
Denver Police Sergeant Keith Cruz explained the necessary role his faith plays in his life and job.
“As an officer, you find yourself becoming cold and hardened sometimes, and by staying close to the Church, you learn how to be more compassionate and understand that you have to have forgiveness for those we deal with,” he said, agreeing with the archbishop’s homily. “God knows we’ve seen some terrible things. You can’t carry that hate with you the whole time, so you have to find a way to release, to come and pray about the things you’ve seen and done.”
“Having your faith when you’re seeing a lot of tragedy helps keep you human, and helps you maintain compassion for people when they’re in these terrible times,” added Scott Hughes, a recently retired officer with the Denver Police Department.
The archbishop preached that a mission of compassion is placed on every Catholic, and, in a particularly radical way, on every Catholic first responder.
“We are called at the conclusion of Mass to go forth into the world. Not just to enter back into the world, but to enter it in order to change it,” he said in his homily, “by our example, by the way that we live our faith, and by inviting others to the Gospel and to encounter Christ.”
How does one live by example? How does one impact the world enough to change it? How do we live our faith in a radical and compassionate way? By reflecting on our prayer life, Archbishop Aquila said.
“Am I the Pharisee or am I the tax collector?” he reflected, referencing the Sunday Gospel. “Do I listen to the invitation that Jesus is giving to me to ponder the way that I pray, and to go before the Lord with great humility?”
(Photos by Joe Donelson)
What follows is prayer in action. The work done in humility and self-reflection is an effort to rely on Christ in every difficult situation — even those that may be out of our control.
“For those of you who are first responders, it is vital to remember the importance of prayer before you respond,” said Archbishop Aquila. “You will be going to various calls, not really knowing what you’re going to face or what it’s going to be, especially in the times in which we live. These are not easy times to be first responders. My sisters and brothers, for those of you who are, it is even more important for you to depend on God. A simple cry of the heart: ‘Lord, be with me as I go on this call’ or ‘Holy Spirit, guide me. Give me counsel in what to say or what to do, or ‘Lord, protect me with what I may be walking into, and be with me.’
“And then at the end of the encounter, whatever it may be,” the archbishop continued. “Lift your heart in gratitude towards God. Maybe even pray for the person or persons that you have had to deal with. Pray for their conversion, their change of heart, their healing and ask the Lord to help you be attentive to whatever they need.”
For Cruz, the urgency of the job often naturally leads to prayer. As he goes to a call, he’s often unsure of what he’ll see or experience — and whether it will be the last call he’ll ever go to. In these moments, he prays for those who are involved and for himself.
“It’s quick, you know: ‘I’m here, protect me, and let me do my job right. Let me be compassionate and do the right thing.’ It’s basic but important,” he explained.
Former Denver police commander and current archdiocesan director of deacons, Deacon Ernie Martinez, spoke to the importance of remembering and honoring our first responders through events like the Blue Mass.
“As both a former officer and now a deacon, I know first responders embody the Gospel by running toward what others flee,” said Deacon Martinez. “This Blue Mass at our Mother Church, the first in 12 years, was deeply personal. It’s a reminder that the men and women who serve as police, firefighters and paramedics live out a vocation of sacrifice every day. They run toward danger so others can live in safety. Their courage and the quiet strength of their families reflect the heart of Christ, who laid down his life for his friends.”
Raising his hands over the crowd of first responders and their families at the end of the Blue Mass, the archbishop gave a final blessing, a prayer in thanksgiving for those who protect us, asking that the Lord may protect them.
“Lord, send down your spirit on these, your servants, who generously lend themselves to your service,” he prayed. “Grant them courage in the face of fear, wisdom that they may make great decisions, strength when they are weary, and compassion in all their work. St. Michael and St. Florian, protect them always in the line of duty.”
