Annual Blue Mass honors first responders, public safety officials

SAN JUAN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Catholic Diocese of Brownsville held the annual Blue Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan on Wednesday.

Celebrated by Bishop Daniel Flores, the Blue Mass honors the service of first responders, fire safety officials, federal and local law enforcement personnel, and public safety agents. As well as those who have fallen in the line of duty.

Agencies that participated in today's mass were the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Department, local police departments, and fire departments, along with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

"I find it inspiring to have the blue mass with Bishop Flores and Senator Bishop Velez giving the blessings, especially all the other officers here, for them to be recognized and to understand that they are putting their lives on the line for the love of their brothers and their neighbors." David Carrion, Deacon for the second heart of action for the Diocese of Brownsville, officer with the state of Texas, with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, said.