Blue Mass at St. Francis Xavier Church Honors First Responders
By Kristine Rilling09/30/2025
On Monday, September 29, St. Francis Xavier Church in McKean was filled with respect and gratitude as parishioners, families and civic leaders gathered for the annual Blue Mass, honoring law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, emergency personnel and military members.
Outside the church, four fire trucks stood tall, their ladders hoisting two enormous American flags above the entrance, a powerful symbol of unity and sacrifice. Inside, the parish community joined Bishop Lawrence Persico, Father Ben Daghir and chaplains from the Erie Police and Fire Departments to celebrate Mass on the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.
In his homily, Bishop Persico reminded worshippers that the Blue Mass is more than a salute of recognition – it is a prayer of thanksgiving and intercession.
“Every day we are amazed by your selfless efforts to love, to serve, to heal and to protect,” he said, addressing first responders. He reflected on the courage it takes to serve despite fear and hardship, likening their sacrifice to Christ’s own offering on the cross.
Bishop Persico highlighted that true heroes are not celebrities or athletes but those who “respect and reverence life” and who are willing to give their very lives for others.
Mass organizer Don Benczkowski offered moving concluding remarks, urging the community to pray daily for the safety of first responders and to thank them for the sacrifices they make.
Benczkowski noted that more than 60 officers have died nationwide so far this year. “Incidents like this remind us how fragile life is and how important it is to pray for those who protect us.”
Trooper Caitlin Blount, community affairs officer for Troop E in Erie, also expressed her appreciation: “First responders don’t always receive recognition for the work they do. It’s powerful for the community to come together in prayer, showing that we stand with them.”
For Benczkowski, organizing the Blue Mass carries a deeply personal meaning. His late father served as a firefighter in the city for more than 30 years before passing away in 2020.
“This is really a memorial to him,” Benczkowski shared during the reception following Mass. “As I’ve gotten older, I realize just how much he risked for us every day. Keeping this tradition alive is my way of honoring him and all first responders who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities.”
The Mass concluded with words from Psalm 121: “The Lord is your guardian, the Lord is your shade at your right hand.”
Those gathered left with a renewed sense of gratitude for the guardians who walk among us each day – our first responders – true heroes in service to God and neighbor.
View photos from the Blue Mass here.
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