03-05-2025
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
