Fresno church dedicates Mass to Central Valley first responders

FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – A Catholic Mass for Central Valley first responders was held Friday at the St. John’s Cathedral in Fresno.

Whether they’re catholic, religious, or non-spiritual, Valley first responders were invited to the 10 ^th annual Blue Mass, to pray over them and just show gratitude for all they do.

“What I’m most passionate about is the reason we’re here is Thanksgiving, that’s what the word Eucharist means,” said Bishop Joseph Brennan of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno.

While the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno has been putting on this mass for 10 years, the service dates back to 1934.

“At the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., and it got really popular in the Northeast,” Brennan said.

It spread nationwide, a way to honor local police officers and firefighters.

Heros, like Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni.

“I’m a lifelong Catholic, gone to Catholic schools, so it’s very special to me to be here, I am honored that the bishop does this,” said Zanoni.

In Mass, Zanoni also remembers those who have fallen in the line of duty and the sacrifices they and their families have given.

“It’s just a very unique opportunity, and if you didn’t come this year, please come next year,” Zanoni said.

After the service, Brennan blessed the badges of the first responders and their emergency vehicles.

“God helps us, God guides us, and I think through this blessing, he’s going to help us do our jobs better, serve our communities better, at the same time, protect us, because this is a dangerous job,” he said.

In the coming weeks, the Diocese of Fresno will also bless legal and medical professionals with a Red and White Mass.

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