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What is a Blue Mass
September 11: A Paradox of Good and Evil
Jensen Beach, FL_September 11, 2007__ “September 11 was and always will be a paradox,” said Palm Beach Bishop Gerald Barbarito while presiding over a special “Blue Mass,” on September 11, 2007, in Jensen Beach, FL. This Sixth-Anniversary Memorial Blue Mass, honoring victims and heroes of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, as well as those who continue to serve every day, in traditionally blue uniforms, was co-hosted by St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Council # 8048.
“The tragedy becomes deeper and deeper as the years go on,” said the Bishop in his homily, “and yet through it all, we begin to see more and more clearly what the meaning and the purpose of life is really all about. September 11 will always present a tremendous paradox, because while the power of evil was so present on that day, so was the power of goodness.”
“We will face over and over again the power of evil and hatred and violence,” said Bishop Barbarito, but we also “remember all those who lost their lives and gave their lives and came in to protect our lives – the police, fire fighters, rescue workers – all those, who on the scene and after the scene, dealt with that evil and tragedy in a way in which it was obvious from the very beginning of that September 11 that goodness always triumphs over evil.”
“We thank them; we continue to thank them,” said the Bishop, “and as you remember this terrible tragedy, and pray that God will continue to bring good from all the evil that occurred, we may move into the future with faith and security, always giving thanks for those who help us and protect us.”
“You need to be recognized each and every day for all you do for us. One day a year is not enough,” said the Rev. James E. Molgano, Pastor of St. Martin de Porres, addressing the many groups present at the Mass, which included color guards from the Martin County Sherriff’s Department, the Martin Country Fire Rescue, police officers, EMTs, and the Marine Corps 4th Anglico, who, along with the Knights of Columbus, presented and posted colors during processions into and out of the Church, with members of the FDNY Retired, and federal, state and local elected officials.
A bagpipe player led the procession into the Church. Mass was preceded by a viewing of the inspirational 8-minute 9/11 Memorial video “Angels Over America” written and co-produced by Carolyn Long, who came from Maryland to attend services. Music Director Robert Carson led the orchestra and chorus in a stirring program of music. Services concluded with a 21 gun salute and the playing of “Amazing Grace,” and “Taps.” The entire congregation was invited to a catered luncheon with Bishop Barbarito, Pastor James Mogano, and the attending service groups.
St. Martin de Porres Pastor James Molgano expects to make this an annual event at the Church.
The “Angels Over America” poem and video can be viewed or downloaded from the website www.AngelsOverAmerica.org. A copy of the video on DVD or a laminated poster of the poem, “Angels Over America,” are available from the website or by email from Carolyn@AngelsOverAmerica.com. Carolyn K. Long is a writer, photographer, professional speaker and consultant based in Columbia, MD.
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‘Angels Over America’ Author Attends ‘Blue Mass’ in Florida
Columbia, MD, September, 11, 2007 . . . “Angels Over America” author Carolyn has been invited to attend the Sixth Annual 9/11 Memorial Blue Mass at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, Jensen Beach Florida, on September 11, 2007. The Solemn High Mass, to be celebrated by Most Rev. Gerald M. Barbarito, Bishop of Palm Beach, will be preceded by a presenting and posting of colors by local police, fire, rescue and military color guards, and a viewing of the 9/11 Memorial DVD, “Angels Over America” at 10:30 a.m.
“Angels Over America,” an 8-minute memorial video incorporating images, music and poetry, is both a stirring tribute to 9/11 victims and heroes, and an artistic work whose unique metaphor offers healing perspectives on this pivotal moment in our nation’s history. The video traces the evolution of awareness, emotion and understanding that lead to transcendence. This work celebrates the courage and resilience that are the hallmarks of the American Spirit, while providing perspective, healing, and hope.
Award-winning New York arranger and composer Mark Freeh produced the video from Ms. Long’s four-part poem, “Angels Over America,” against the backdrop of powerful 9/11 images and his stirring arrangement of “America the Beautiful” and moving renditions of “Amazing Grace” and ”My Country ‘Tis of Thee.”
“A major role of art in any culture is to offer people a way to hold difficult or tragic events that enables them to move forward with hope and courage,” says poet Carolyn Long. “At such times, art can comfort those in pain while giving homage to all that has been lost.”
“The need for the healing arts is particularly important in times of crises, when meaning is strength,” says John Fox, author of Poetic Medicine. “And the deepest meaning is the language of dreams, symbols and archetypes. Poetry speaks this language and helps us hear meaning in illness, in the events of our lives, often for the first time. Finding such meaning feels like revelation. Like grace.”
“If ever an event called for healing, strength, or grace, it was 9/11,” says Long. “The events of September 11, 2001, will be a part of the American consciousness forever. The lens through which we continue to view them will shape our future. ‘Angels Over America’ is dedicated to an America that lost its innocence on this day—but never its hope,” says Long, author and co-producer of the video.
“Angels Over America” is the perfect work to precede St. Martin’s Blue Mass, says Rev. James Molgano, Pastor of St. Martin de Porres. The Blue Mass, named for the traditional blue uniforms of police officers, firefighters and emergency medical providers, honors all those who daily protect and serve our nation. “We must never forget those who have fallen and those who continue to give so generously and selflessly in defense of our country abroad and at home,” says Fr. Molgano. “We must continue to reach out to them and their families to show our appreciation, and in our community, that includes the Martin County Sheriff’s Department, Martin County Fire Rescue, and the Marine Corp. 4th Anglico.”
St. Martin’s Blue Mass is hosted by St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Council #8048. Media coverage is welcome. News cameras will be allowed inside the Church, but flash photography is not permitted. For more information, contact St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church at 772-334-4214.
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A free, preview version of the video can be viewed or downloaded free from the website at www.AngelsOverAmerica.org. The final version of the DVD with poem, or a printed copy of Angels Over America, are available free to the media, or can be ordered online from the website, by email from Carolyn@AngelsOverAmerica.com or by calling 410-730-2345. Carolyn Long is a writer, photographer and professional speaker based in Columbia, MD.
What is a Blue Mass?
Jensen Beach, FL_ September 10, 2007__ Some 1100 blue-uniformed police and firemen marched into St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Washington, DC, for the celebration of the First Blue Mass on September 29, 1934. The Blue Mass was initiated by Thomas Dade, a Catholic Priest from the Baltimore, MD, Archdiocese, who founded the Catholic Police and Firemen’s Society while stationed at St. Patrick’s Church.
The Blue Mass, so-named because of the predominantly blue-colored uniforms of police officers, firefighters and emergency medical providers, has become increasingly popular across the country since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The Mass honors those who have fallen in the line of duty and those currently serving, and gives the community an opportunity to show gratitude for those who serve so courageously, as well as their families, who risk so much that others can live more safely and without fear.
During services, these real-life guardian angels often evoke the words of the psalm: “The Lord has put angels in charge of you, to guard you in all your ways” (Ps 91:11).
St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Jensen Beach, FL, will begin its Blue Mass services with “Angels Over America,” a stirring memorial video which draws parallels between angels and the heroes of 9/11. The work was authored and co-produced by Carolyn K. Long, who will be attending the event. This Sixth Anniversary Memorial “Blue Mass” will be celebrated by Most Rev. Gerald M. Barbarito, Bishop of Palm Beach, Tuesday September 11, 2007, beginning at 10:30 a.m., at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, 2555 N.E. Savanna Road, Jensen Beach, Florida.
“We must never forget those who have fallen and those who continue to give so generously and selflessly in defense of our country abroad and at home, be they firefighters, police, military, or other first responders,” says Rev. James Molgano, Pastor of St. Martin de Porres. “It’s commendable, honorable, and we as a people must continue to reach out to them and their families to show our appreciation.”
Rev. Molgano has invited all Martin County firefighters, police officers and EMTs, as well as federal, state and local officials to join the community at the Solemn High Blue Mass, “as we continue to pray for peace, protection from evil, and for the men and women who give in service each day in defense of freedom.”
Angels Over America, an 8-minute memorial video incorporating images, music and poetry, is both a stirring tribute to 9/11 victims and heroes, and an artistic work whose unique metaphor offers healing perspectives on this pivotal moment in our nation’s history. “The events of September 11, 2001, will be a part of the American consciousness forever,” says author Carolyn K. Long. How we hold them there will shape our future.”
Award-winning New York arranger and composer Mark Freeh produced the video from Carolyn Long’s poem, Angels Over America, against the backdrop of powerful 9/11 images and his stirring arrangement of “America the Beautiful” and moving renditions of “Amazing Grace” and ”My Country ‘Tis of Thee.”
Media coverage is welcome. News cameras will be allowed inside the Church, but flash photography is not permitted. For more information, contact St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church at 772-334-4214.
The poem or video can be viewed or downloaded from the website at www.AngelsOverAmerica.org. The DVD and poster of the poem Angels Over America, are available to the media, or can be ordered online from the website or by email from Carolyn@AngelsOverAmerica.com.
Carolyn K. Long is a professional speaker, consultant, writer and photographer, based in Columbia, MD. She can be reached at Carolyn@AngelsOverAmerica.com
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The events of 911 will be a part of the American consciousness forever.
How they are held there will shape our future.
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