Why the Church Honors Cops, Firefighters and EMTs at the Blue Mass - Fr. David Esquiliano - 09/08/2026

Fr. David Esquiliano — rector of the Cathedral of the Epiphany, pastor of the Cathedral Parish in Sioux City, and chaplain to the Sioux City Police Department — joins Bo Bonner to explain what a Blue Mass is and why it matters. The tradition dates to 1934 in the United States and takes its name from the blue uniforms of police officers, though in the Diocese of Sioux City it's extended to firefighters, EMTs, and all first responders: the people who run toward danger when everyone else is running away.Fr. David walks through the connection to St. Michael the Archangel, patron saint of law enforcement, whose feast falls on September 29 alongside St. Gabriel and St. Raphael — which is why most dioceses schedule the Blue Mass either near Michaelmas or during National Police Week in May. He also talks about the historic bond between Catholic immigrant communities and first-responder professions, from the bagpipe traditions carried over by Irish and Scottish immigrants to the ministry he's carried out as a chaplain in both Sioux City and Storm Lake.He's clear that the Blue Mass isn't only for Catholics. The invitation extends to first responders of any faith or none, and to the wider community — especially families, who often carry a burden of their own when a spouse or parent comes home unable to talk about what they've seen.Details: The Diocese of Sioux City's fourth annual Blue Mass is Monday, September 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Epiphany, 10th and Douglas in downtown Sioux City, with Bishop John E. Keehner celebrating. A Knights of Columbus meal follows at 6:30 p.m., and a drive-through meal will be available for any first responder who can't stay — no need to attend the Mass to come by for a plate. More information at Cathedral of the Epiphany.Heard on the Catholic Morning Show, weekdays at 7 a.m. Central on Iowa Catholic Radio. More at IowaCatholicRadio.com.#BlueMass #FirstResponders #SaintMichaelTheArchangel #PoliceChaplain #DioceseOfSiouxCity #CatholicTradition #CatholicPodcast #IowaCatholicRadio Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm. ENJOYING THE SHOW? Follow The Catholic Morning Show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode — and if this one was worth your time, please leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating. It takes ten seconds and it's the single best way to help more people find the show. 🎧 LISTEN LIVE Catch The Catholic Morning Show live, weekday mornings on Iowa Catholic Radio. Listen Live · Program Schedule · Our Stations LINKSYou can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok! More on our website.If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here! More from Iowa Catholic Radio:Sunday Dive with Katie PatrizioMan Up! with Joe StopulosCatholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie NelsonThe Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud MarrBe Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce RiebeBe Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián MoncadaMaking it Personal with Bishop William JoensenFaith and Family Finance with Gregory WaddleThe Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos Liturgy & DevotionsThe Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick SmithThe Daily Mass from St. Francis of AssisiThe Daily Mass from St. Pius XThe Daily Mass from St. TheresaSunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint JohnWant to support your favorite show? Click Here Iowa Catholic Radio - Connecting People to Christ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.