Thanking God for our 'guardian angels'

By Marlene Quaroni - Florida Catholic

Photography: MARLENE QUARONI | FC

DORAL | Comparing them to “guardian angels,” Archbishop Thomas Wenski celebrated the annual Blue Mass for those who protect our communities from becoming what he called “moral jungles.”

“In celebrating this Mass for you, we express our gratitude for your commitment to the good of the community,” the archbishop said during the annual Mass, organized by the South Florida Police Benevolent Association. It was celebrated Sept. 29, 2023, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Doral, the feast of St. Michael the Archangel, patron saint of police officers and first responders.

Among those concelebrating and serving at the Mass were the priest and deacon chaplains to various police departments: Father Ryan Saunders for Coral Gables; and for Miami-Dade: Father Elvis Gonzalez, Father Luis Rivero, Father Bryan Garcia and Deacons John Ermer and Thomas Hanlon.

“It is a thin blue line that protects us from barbarity; it is a thin blue line that defends our communities so that they remain just that, communities, and not moral jungles,” the archbishop said in his homily. “We thank God for you, and we thank you for your sacrifice as we ask God to protect you and keep you safe.”

The archbishop also reminded first responders that they should care for themselves as they go about helping others.

“The stress of your jobs also too often goes underappreciated. Stress on the job can also be carried over to stress in your marriages. Divorce, drinking, even suicide are occupational hazards that unfortunately come with the job,” Archbishop Wenski said. “Don’t neglect to seek help for yourselves as you deal with the stress of your jobs so that you can continue to help us. For if you do battle with the Devil on our streets and in our communities, you also may have to contend with interior demons.”

Miami-Dade Police Sgt. Victor Milian was one of the police officers at the Mass. He said that God gives him the wisdom to carry on in his job.

“His wisdom and patience have gotten me through many dark moments,” said the officer, who is a member of the Crisis Intervention Team and an Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. “You could get a ticket in the morning and be angry at the police officer. Then, ironically, you might need the help of a police officer later that day.”

As part of the celebration, a multi-agency police honor guard placed a wreath at the foot of the statue of St. Michael outside the church. Bagpiper Jason Wright led the honor guard, who carried the flags of their various municipalities into the church. Clergy and altar servers followed Miami Gardens Detective Sean McVay, who carried the processional cross.

Steadman Stahl, Police Benevolent Association president, thanked the Archdiocese of Miami and Our Lady of Guadalupe Church for hosting the event.

“It’s a rare opportunity for us to come together as one to renew our faith and uplift our spirits,” he said in an address after Mass. “You leave your families daily to make sure others are safe not knowing if you will return home. These sacrifices sometimes go unnoticed. It is our job to ensure they do not go unrecognized.”

Coral Gables Police Chief Edward Hudak, Jr., said police officers’ work is not easy.

“It requires strength, bravery, and a deep commitment to the welfare of others,” he told those gathered at the conclusion of the Mass. “You face challenges and dangers that most people can only imagine, and it scares them. Yet, you rise each day, put on your uniform and willingly walk into the unknown for the sake of our community.”

He reminded his listeners that the Catholic faith teaches about the importance of service, of loving our neighbors, and of standing up for justice.

“Here, today, in this church we acknowledge your service, your sacrifice, and your commitment,” Hudak said. “As a Church, we stand with you. We are here to support you, to pray for you, and to offer you a place of solace and peace. We understand the burdens that you bear, and we want to help lighten them in any way that we can.”