Hundreds of law enforcement officers, firefighters, and first responders attended the annual Guardian Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Thursday, October 2, to recognize fallen colleagues and beseech heavenly protection for those serving in perilous vocations. 

Cardinal Timothy Dolan served as the Mass’ principal celebrant. It was concelebrated by Bishop Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, Bishop Edmund Whalen, vicar for clergy of the Archdiocese of New York, Bishop Octavio Cisneros of Brooklyn, Monsignor Joseph LaMorte, vicar general of the Archdiocese of New York, and others. 

The Mass began with the presentation of colors, the American flag and flags of the respective departments whose members were represented in the Mass, led by a bagpiper. 

The Guardian Mass coincided this year with the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels, angels assigned to each person by God. 

“We have those badged with sacred duty, from our city, our country, our counties, our state, our federal levels. This is our annual opportunity to surround all of you with prayer, with love, respect, and gratitude,” Cardinal Dolan said in his opening remarks. 

“It is a high honor for the Archdiocese of New York and the Diocese of Brooklyn-Queens to continue this revered tradition of the Guardian Mass on this Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels each year,” Cardinal Dolan said in his homily. “We welcome all of you heartily.” 

Celebrating sacrifice and service 

Remembering those who had made “the supreme sacrifice” in the line of duty, Cardinal Dolan asked that the day not be a subdued one. “Thank you, devoted chaplains. Thank you, leadership and rank and file. As you’re at home here on somber occasions, you’re surely at home at this event that brings a smile, as we enjoy the solidarity of those united in the defense of life, as we render praise for a vocation of honor and high dignity, as we renew our devotion to duty and call.” 

To reinforce the feeling of welcome at “America’s Parish Church,” Cardinal Dolan asked the assembled, “Stand up right now, everybody. Stand up. All right? Now turn around. Turn around, everybody, and look at the back in the corner. You see that? You see that back there?” 

He pointed to the new mural, “What’s Wrong With Peace, Love, and Understanding,” that now adorns the entryway to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and features a large representation of police officers, firefighters, and first responders. “Behold that majestic work of art, this stunning new mural that was unveiled and blessed only two weeks ago. Behold, you can’t miss them, those two looming Guardian Angels watching over this city. Behold them holding the helmets, the insignia of your profession. Behold the four of you beneath that angel to your right. Those are our men and women who guard us, who incarnate the protecting energy and presence of the Holy Guardian Angels that we cannot see, but we can see you, thank God. And that’s how much we love you.” 

After Mass, Cardinal Dolan greeted attendees in front of the mural, posing for dozens of photos with different individuals and units, and pointing out the representation of his mother as a young girl that adorns an adjacent panel.