'Blue Mass' celebrated in Waltham for area first responders. Published 9/18/2015

Local
'Blue Mass' celebrated in Waltham for area first responders

By Christopher S. Pineo
Posted: 9/18/2015

Father Fidel Agustin Anda-Gomez and Father James DiPerri pose with area first responders outside Sacred Heart Church in Waltham Sept. 12. Pilot photo/courtesy Michael J. Tullo

WALTHAM -- The Knights of Columbus of St. Francis of the Sacred Heart Council #14091 hosted a Blue Mass for first responders, Sept. 12, at Sacred Heart Church in Waltham.

Father Fidel Agustin Anda-Gomez from St. Mary Parish and Father James DiPerri from Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Parish celebrated the Mass. The priests blessed the first responders inside the church, and then went outside to bless firetrucks and police cruisers following the Mass.

Members of the Waltham Fire Department, Waltham Police Department, and Newton Police Department attended, along with members of the Waltham city council and Waltham Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy.

Members of the Massachusetts State Council of the Knights of Columbus, and the Color Corp from The Gov. David I. Walsh Assembly #403 of the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree led the procession. The Ladies of the Society of St. Clare arranged for a social gathering for all after the Mass.