St. Charles Borromeo
Parish holds 13th Annual
Blue Mass
Story and photos
BY TERRY DICKSON
PICAYUNE -- St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church was surrounded by emergency vehicles
on the night of February 12, but there was no cause for concern.
On the contrary, first responders from throughout Pearl River County were there for the 13th
Annual Blue Mass and appreciation dinner, sponsored by Knights of Columbus Oscar J. Gelpi
Council 6872.
St. Charles Borromeo pastor Father Truong Trinh, who was principal celebrant and homilist,
thanked the members of each agency and their families for the tremendous sacrifices they make on
a daily basis to protect and serve the community.
“It is an honor for us to have you come and celebrate with us on this special day,” Father Trinh said.
“We give thanks for your dedicated service to the people of Pearl River County.”
Alluding to the scripture readings for the Mass, which were taken from the Prophet Isaiah, St. Paul’s
First Letter to the Corinthians and John’s Gospel, Father Trinh said, “Besides peace and justice, which
are the two important and necessary conditions we must have in our countries, our cities, our communi-
ties and our households, love is the most important one.”
Father Trinh said he harbors no doubts that the brave men and women who protect and serve Pearl
River County do so out of love for their fellow man.
“Love can help us to overcome fear and limitations in order to provide the care and the service to the
people we love,” he said.
“The Prophet Isaiah had a vision that, one day, his people and, indirectly, we would live in a secure
country, ‘in secure dwellings and quiet resting places.’ The prophet also believed that love could moti-
vate us to work together in order to liberate those who are trapped or victimized by the problems of the
world and by oppression. We need you. We need you to help them. We need you to help us.”
Following Father Trinh’s homily, Deacon Doug McVey prayed a Prayer of Blessing over the first
responders and their families.
Bryan Cassagne, Grand Knight for Council 6872, said the Blue Mass was started in response to the
September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States.
“The Supreme Council actually gave a directive to all lower councils to try and start a Blue Mass in their community
to honor first responders because of the sacrifices they make and the dangers they face every day on the job,” he said.
Cassagne said the agencies invited to attend the annual event are the Picayune Fire Department, Picayune Police De-
partment, Triple AAAAmbulance Service, Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department and the all of the county volunteer
fire departments.
Cassagne said Council 6872 is delighted to host this annual Mass.
“(The first responders) tell me that no other church in the area does this and they’re delighted by it,” he said.
One representative of each department was presented with the Chief TomWagner Community Spirit Award, named for
the longtime chief of the Carriere Fire Department and St. Charles Borromeo parishioner, who died in 2012.
“We thought it would be a good way to honor him and his service to the area,” said Cassagne.
“We give it out for service on and off the job.”
This year’s recipients include: Major Julie Flowers (Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department), Jake Smith (Picayune
Fire Department), Mike Geske (Triple AAA Ambulance Ser-
vice), Sgt. Michael Boutte (Picayune Police Department) and
Chief Steve Seal (Pine Grove Volunteer Fire Department).
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Gulf Pine Catholic
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February 28, 2014
