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Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Yahoo
While one tradition is retired, a new one is born at the Paterson Diocese's Blue Mass
The Paterson Diocese held its 25th and final Blue Mass Saturday at its Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson on Saturday, May 3. Though it was the last of a long tradition, a new one will start for friends and families of those who wear blue. The bagpipes, drummers, multiple color guards plus the scores of nattily attired officers are likely to return next year. It's just that they will be heavily reinforced. At the close of the service, Monsignor Geno Sylva said that next spring the Diocese is planning its Guardians Mass, designed to celebrate the service of all first responders: police, fire and EMTs. "I borrowed the idea from Cardinal Dolan," Sylva said, noting New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan decided several years ago to combine Blue and Red Masses together. Still, the Mass on May 3, which was first held in 2000, marked the end of tradition that offers families of officers who gave their last full measure some comfort. A grateful society and especially those who appreciate the personal and familial sacrifices peace officers make understand this is, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney said. "There's no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friend or even a stranger," Sweeney told the hundreds of police officers who attended the special service. "We honor those made the greatest sacrifice." Sylva said like the Blue Mass, the new Guardian Mass be held first Saturday in May. Each year, with the exception of 2020, because of COVID, the Mass honors officers who died and exemplified the finest traditions of their departments. On Saturday the lives and service of Newark Sergeant Joseph Azcona, Paterson Officer Jose Valentin and Trooper II Marcellus E. Bethea, Major Jeffrey Burke, and Sgt. James J. Puhalski of the N.J. State Police were celebrated. A huge contingent of Newark police officers turned out to pay respect to Azcona and his family. Azcona was shot on March 7 while investigating illegal weapons possession at the corner of Carteret Street and Broadway in Newark. He died shortly afterwards of his wounds. Azcona's brother Jonathan Reyes sat with his family and friends and said he was appreciative but also acknowledged that the wounds were still fresh. "It's been tough," Reyes said adding that since his brother died the department has been supportive of his family, "So many came by and told amazing stories." It's this support that's the intent of the Mass to begin with said Mass co-founder Richard Reyes. "We want families to know that we haven't forgotten them," Richard said. Police officers and their families are keenly aware of the danger and occasional empty chair created when they are killed in line of duty. "We want families to know we are here if they need anything," Paterson Police Lt. Louis Spagnola said. Spagnola's father Lawrence was a former Paterson Police Chief and another founder of the Blue Mass. This article originally appeared on Paterson Diocese holds its 25th and final annual Blue Mass
CBS News
22-04-2025
- General
- CBS News
Pope Francis' final appearance in St. Peter's Square to be remembered fondly, New Jersey residents say
Following the death of Pope Francis on Monday , some New Jersey residents who made the trip to the Vatican to get a glimpse of the pontiff on Easter Sunday are now overwhelmed with sadness. Radio personality Monica Guy took pictures with her family in St. Peter's Square and then captured Francis the blessing the faithful from a balcony overlooking the crowd. "The crowd was cheering, 'Papa, papa, papa,' people from all over the world. The people to my right were from the Philippines ... behind me, Malaysia," Guy said. However, that joy turned to sadness on Monday following the announcement of the pope's death . "It's so sad. On one hand, it's sad, and on the other hand, you can say job well done good, faithful servant," Guy said. "He was the embodiment of the way I always thought of my faith, someone who is inclusive, someone who isn't judging someone who sees himself as fallible as a human being." Guy, who spoke to CBS News New York from the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where the pope will be buried , also captured Francis driving by in the popemobile on Sunday. She said it was a bittersweet trip she'll never forget. "I got to hear potentially Pope Francis' last public words ... that I was there with my children. My husband, who is not a Christian, was there, taking part in it. My 84-year-old mother was there," Guy said. "What a gift ... what a gift to be able to see him." Father Cesar Jaramillo, a member of the Paterson Diocese who is studying in Rome, said he also feels blessed to have seen the pope in St. Peter's Square one last time. "Deep sense of loss, but I would say within the framework of Easter [I have] a tremendous sense of gratitude for the pontificate of Pope Francis and for the great gift that he was to the Church," Jaramillo said. Four months ago during a private encounter, Jaramillo took a photo with Pope Francis. "Every time you were in his presence you felt like the world around you all of a sudden disappeared and you were just one-on-one with a very holy man," Jaramillo said.
