A tradition that began over 80 years ago continue Thursday morning at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in south Omaha.
Archbishop George Lucas celebrated the Blue Mass that honors police, paramedics, firefighters, and those who have died in the line of duty. “The Blue Mass is an opportunity to say thanks to God for the work of the first responders in our community, and to ask God’s blessing on them in that important and sometimes dangerous work,” says Archbishop Lucas.
The Blue Mass dates back to 1934, when many first responders wore blue uniforms. "For the Archbishop to hold this mass every year, just for that purpose, means a lot to all the first responders and we appreciate and look forward to it every year," Says Police Chief Todd Schmaderer.
Schmaderer says the service had extra meaning because it came four days after the shootings in Las Vegas, the deadliest in modern U-S history.
"Which was a reminder to everybody it can be dangerous out there at times. But I would say to everybody just go ahead and live your life just be a little bit cautious as to what you do and don't be in fear of everything," Schmaderer says
Students from Saints Peter & Paul School were also in attendance.