The Dialog

By TheDialog

The Dialog/www.DonBlakePhotography.com

Bishop Malooly presided this morning at the annual Blue Mass, which is held for police officers, emergency medical technicians, firefighters and members of the military. The Mass was held at St. John the Beloved Church in Wilmington. Father Anthony Giamello, associate pastor at St. John the Beloved and a chaplain in the Delaware Air National Guard, delivered the homily. (See Father Giamello’s homily here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWZ6H3zXLzM )

Although a Catholic Mass, those of all faiths were welcomed.

After Mass, first responders and their families were invited to the parish hall for a luncheon.

The Delaware State Police Pipes & Drums play as Bishop Malooly prosses out during the annual Blue Mass. The Dialog/www.DonBlakePhotography.com

Thomas Donlon of the New Castle City police prays with his children, Josh, 11, and Madilyn, 8, who attend St. John the Beloved School. The Dialog/www.DonBlakePhotography.com

By Mike Lang

Staff reporter

 WILMINGTON – Although the Blue Mass is meant to honor all who serve as first responders, the Diocese of Wilmington’s annual service, celebrated May 4 at St. John the Beloved Church in Wilmington, was heavily influenced by the death last September of New Castle County Police Lt. Joseph Szczerba.

County police officers, wearing a black ribbon over their badges, made up the largest contingent at the church, and Szczerba’s family, including his widow, Kathy, sat in the front. After Communion, she received a plaque from Col. Scott McLaren, chief of the county police.

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