ORLANDO | Father Miguel González, rector of St. James Cathedral offered the homily at this year’s annual Blue Mass, Sept. 29, 2026. The Blue Mass is held on the feast of the Archangels, Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.

Father González explained the role of each angel. “Their names remind each and every one of us that God is near. He is always at our side,” he said. “It is a great comfort in knowing that. Michael, the name means protects God’s people. Gabriel is a carrier of God’s message. And Raphael, he is the one constantly connecting us with the healing touch of God. These archangels are servants who bring God’s grace and care close to human lives. And you, first respondents, that is your mission.”

This is the first year Lt. JC Rodriguez of the Orange County Sheriff’s office led coordination of the Blue Mass where first responders are prayed for and those who died in the line of duty are remembered.

Thinking of the families of the deceased and those who encounter great danger he said, “Our survivors are extremely important to us. One of their greatest fears, when I speak to them, is that their loved ones will be forgotten. So, it is an honor and a privilege to be able to coordinate events like this, to continue in honoring them, to honor their legacy, honor their memory, because the survivors want to feel like they still hold a place, not only in our agency, but in our hearts.”

He noted it’s important to honor the fallen and the “lesson they taught us.” During the Mass, honor guard members bring forth a hat, part of the uniform specific to that agency, and place it before the altar as the names of those who died in the line of duty are called.

“For the Catholic, for the Christian, we all know that death is not the end. Death is simply a change of address,” he said. “It’s not goodbye, it’s until I see you later. So, this is simply a door. We’re at the footsteps of what is to come. They’re just out there a little sooner than we are.”

For Cathie Z. of Resurrection Catholic School in Lakeland, her first trip with the Student Service Council was an opportunity to recognize her mother’s cousin who is a state trooper. “I’m excited to see all law enforcement be blessed. This day is for all our first responders who try and protect us.”

Eleventh-grade Father Lopez student, Izy K., attended Blue Mass several times over the past five years. She said she returns because, “It’s an environment I wanted to experience. As someone growing up in the Catholic faith, I think it’s important to come out and recognize those who came before me and sacrificed for me.”

The students of at least 10 schools throughout the Diocese of Orlando joined in honoring and praying for the men and women who work to protect them each day.