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Atlanta archdiocese to hold “Blue Mass” for first responders

The Archdiocese of Atlanta held its "Blue Mass" for public safety officials and first responders in the archdiocese .The mass was concelebrated by the priests of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, with Archbishop Wilton Gregory as the chief celebrant, at the Cathedral of Christ the King. During the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks hundreds of first responders were killed. BOB ANDRES / BANDRES@AJC.COM

Credit: Bob Andres

Credit: Bob Andres

The Archdiocese of Atlanta held its "Blue Mass" for public safety officials and first responders in the archdiocese .The mass was concelebrated by the priests of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, with Archbishop Wilton Gregory as the chief celebrant, at the Cathedral of Christ the King. During the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks hundreds of first responders were killed. BOB ANDRES / BANDRES@AJC.COM
By Shelia Poole
Sept 7, 2018

The Archdiocese of Atlanta will celebrate its annual Blue Mass for all public safety officials and first responders  at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

The service will be held at the Cathedral of Christ the King, 2699 Peachtree Rd. N.E.

There will also be a blessing of badges.

Related: Muslims for Life to hold blood drive Saturday

At the same time, the archdiocese will honor those who died in the 9/11 attacks in New York and Pennsylvania “and those who have been victimized by various forms of violence. “

In the United States, the “Blue Mass” tradition began in 1934, when Fr. Thomas Dade of the Archdiocese of Baltimore formed the Catholic Police and Fireman’s Society and celebrated the first Blue Mass for police officers and firemen.

The mass is open to the public.

About the Author

Shelia has worked at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for more than 30 years. Previously, she worked at The Lexington Herald-Leader and The Louisville Defender. Her beat is a bit of a mixed bag that includes religion and spirituality, culture and trends, race and aging. She earned degrees from Spelman College and Northwestern University.

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