Hundreds of NJ police officers honor fallen heroes at 31st Annual Blue Mass
The Archdiocese of Newark honored the dedication and sacrifices of all active, retired, and deceased New Jersey law enforcement personnel at the 31st Annual Blue Mass on Nov. 7 in Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, presided over the liturgy, which featured a solemn procession of police honor guard units, bagpipers, and drummers.
This year Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, and numerous other dignitaries joined hundreds of law enforcement officials and loved ones from throughout the state to pray for nine police officers who died in the line of duty: New Jersey State Police Trooper Marcellus E. Bethea, Sayreville Police Captain William Gawron, Elizabeth Police Sergeant Michael “Zini” Kurinzi, Port Authority Police Captain Richard L. Ruiz Sr., Port Authority Police Captain John M. Collins, Port Authority Police Officer David J. Lee, Port Authority Police Officer Anthony J. Mezzacappa, Port Authority Police Officer John M. Cortazzo, and New Jersey Transit Police Inspector Robert Noble. Additionally, Millburn Police Officer Luke Lyons and Fairfield Police Detective James Ciampi — two police officers who passed away outside of duty — were recognized for their years of commitment to law enforcement.
In his homily, Cardinal Tobin commended the police for embodying what Jesus proclaimed was the greatest love of all — to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. But the cardinal said it is not enough just to thank law enforcement for their efforts. Instead, he said everyone should ensure officers’ sacrifices are not made in vain.
“Our presence today is a commitment to work with you to leave this world a better place than we found it,” Cardinal Tobin said, adding that all must “walk the talk that rejects violent deeds or vicious rhetoric. And today, especially, (we must) share with you what we have found… the Light that no darkness can overcome.”
To learn more about the Archdiocese of Newark, visit www.rcan.org.
Photos by Archdiocese of Newark/Julio Eduardo Herrera
Featured image: Police honor guard units from throughout New Jersey process into Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart for the Archdiocese of Newark’s 31st Annual Blue Mass on November 7, 2024. (Photo by Archdiocese of Newark/Julio Eduardo Herrera)
