ORLANDO | The sea of blue and green uniforms filled one third of St. James Cathedral in Orlando, during the Blue Mass, Sept. 30, 2024, while the rest of the church hosted hundreds who came to honor and pray for the first responders.

Marked by the traditional American flag hanging from two fire trucks, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Patrol Unit, a multi-service honor guard, and the Central Florida First Responders Pipes and Drums, Bishop John Noonan presided at the annual Mass.

“Amid our natural disasters and crime scenes you go about keeping our communities safe. We pray for you today, grateful for your service, and ask God to bless you,” Bishop Noonan said. “Today we celebrate you — the courageous men and women who place your lives on the line every day to keep us safe. We must always pray for you and thank you.”

In a show of appreciation and respect, 500 students from 16 Catholic schools in the diocese surrounded the first responders, honoring the everyday heroes who risk their lives to protect their communities.

Erika Wikstrom, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Orlando, said she was deeply touched by their presence. “It was a beautiful testament to our unity in faith and our shared commitment to honoring the  brave men and women who serve as first responders,” she said.

Wikstrom said the experience allows the students to witness the values of courage, compassion, and selflessness that are central to the Catholic faith and teachings.

“My hope is that they left the Mass with a deeper understanding of the call to serve others and a renewed sense of inspiration to live out those values in their own lives,” she said. “I pray that they recognize how we are all called to live out Christ’s love through acts of kindness and service, just as these first responders do each day. May God continue to bless and protect them.”

She noted the Blue Mass offers a powerful opportunity for everyone to reflect on the work of first responders “as a living example of Christ’s call to serve others.”

And that call often comes with a price. Each year, the Mass remembers those fallen. Among the fallen men and women was Orlando firefighter Lt. Jeffrey Huggins, whose mother, Orange County Sheriff’s Office Captain Mary Huggins, coordinates the annual Mass.

But this year, it was much more personal.

The Sts. Peter and Paul parishioner said she coordinates the Mass because it is so special. She said she particularly appreciates Bishop Noonan’s efforts and his love of firefighters.

“Jeff was such a good man, and a good son, ever since he was born. He was a good boy and had a servant’s heart,” Huggins said of her son. As a young man, he was part of the Police Explorers, a program offered to students ages 14 to 20 interested in a career in law enforcement.

As a firefighter, he worked on his dad’s, Orlando Fire Department Assistant Chief (Retired) Neil Huggins’ Engine 101, something which filled his father with pride.

“He was out there fighting fires and saving lives his entire life. We miss him terribly. It’s a hole in my heart I don’t think will ever go away,” his mother recalled. She imagined fellow firefighter Amanda Adams, who died in August, receiving him in heaven after hugging Jesus and telling him, ‘I’m so glad to be home.’” Adams was a devout Christian. She too comes from a family of first responders.

Also recognized were Major Cornel Young, who died Oct. 7, 2023, and his son Sgt. Cornel Young Jr., who died 24 years ago. Huggins recalled the elder Young as, “a man bigger than life, strong and always a man of honor.”

“He had so much integrity. Everything he said, he walked,” she recalled. She spoke sympathetically of what Young and his wife, Amy, endured in the loss of their son, noting she could attest. It is a parent’s nightmare.

For Amy, the proximity of the Mass to the one-year anniversary of her husband’s loss hit hard. She sat alongside Orange County Deputy Norman Lewis’ mother, Norma, who participates in the celebration of Mass each year to honor her son and those still in harms way.

Several law enforcement members present were accompanied by their children and Catholic school students. Sgt. David Flores served the New York Police Department for 21 years and now works as a resource officer in Hillsborough County. Although he cannot recall a Blue Mass celebration in New York, he said he is grateful.

“It’s amazing to come and be in front of God, who protected me the 21 years I was in the service,” he said.

His son, David, a Santa Fe Catholic High School student said, “It’s awesome to see my dad in this environment — for people to recognize his sacrifice and what he’s been doing. He’s like a superhero at the house. He’s awesome. It’s a blessing. It’s very exciting.”

Click here to read Bishop Noonan’s homily from Blue Mass.

By Glenda Meekins of the Florida Catholic, October 3, 2024