For the 10th year, residents of Kankakee lined the streets to applaud a procession of first responders, who marched from the Kankakee County Courthouse to St. Patrick Church, led by bagpipers and members of the Knights of Columbus.
They came to attend a Blue Mass — held Sept. 17 — to honor police, fire and emergency medical personnel who serve in Kankakee County.
Fr. John Peeters, CSV, pastor of St. Patrick’s, welcomed them to the historic church, where during the Mass police and firefighters served as lectors, Eucharistic ministers and brought up the gifts.
Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Siegel presided at the Blue Mass. He also serves as the state chaplain for the Knights of Columbus, who started the Blue Mass in this country.
Once again, Fire Chief Ron Young offered a special thank you to parishioners of St. Patrick, while Fr. Peeters shared a special blessing.
Kankakee Fire Chief Ron Young thanks parishioners for their prayers and support
“We entrust you and your loved ones to the intercession of Saint Michael, the patron of police, Saint Florian, the patron of firefighters, and Saint Luke, the patron of medical personnel,” Fr. Peeters said. “May they guard you and guide you and continue to enable you to be healers and forces for peace and justice in our community.”