By Dorothy K. LaMantia | Correspondent

The mood was solemn as a bell tolled, calling forth the representatives from the police, firefighters, and emergency management to light a candle in memory of  comrades lost in the line of duty.

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Thus began the Celebration of Law Enforcement, known as the Blue Mass, in St. Mary of the Pines Church, Manahawkin, March 23. More than 200 people -- including police, firefighters and EMTs from Barnegat and Manahawkin and those who support them -- attended the Mass, a parish tradition now in its 10th year.

Eight fourth-degree Knights of the Color Corps of the Knights of Columbus Father Charles Joseph Watters Assembly stood guard as a massed band of bagpipers – five from The Ocean County Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, Toms River; and one each from Shamrock and Thistle, Toms River and Department of Corrections of the State of New Jersey -- accompanied by three drummers from the Emerald Society, played "The Minstrel Boy" as Msgr. Kenard Tuzeneu, pastor, and Deacon John Pitt processed to the altar.

“Pope Francis who inspires so many is a Jesuit.  The motto of the Jesuit order is…’For the greater glory of God,” said Msgr. Tuzeneu in his homily.  “What a motto for all of us, but especially those who serve, because doing service is being Christ-like. It is hard to do in a culture so un-Christ-like, ungrateful, selfish, and violent.”   

Msgr. Tuzeneu reminded the honored guests that Christ’s service, like theirs, often was met with disdain.  He ended his remarks with “Thank you for your service; may you continue to be Christ-like for the greater glory of God.”

After the Mass ended, the Rev. James Occhipinti, 36-year veteran chaplain of law enforcement and retired pastor of the Assembly of God, Stafford, called the evening “the highlight of the year for me.” 

He introduced several community and service leaders, including Reese Fisher, Chief of the Police Association and Police Chief, Ocean Gate; Joseph Giberson, Chief of Police, Stafford Township; and Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronado, who expressed their appreciation to Msgr. Tuzeneu for hosting the Blue Mass and paid homage to the deceased and their families.

“It is a tradition in the Church, and we felt we had to do it locally,” Msgr. Tuzeneu said, “because it is important to encourage those who serve the community.  It is not an easy job.  You may be angry when they give you a traffic ticket, but you’re glad they’re there in a tragedy.” 

Members of the congregation shared the reasons they attend the Blue Mass.

“When I lived in Florham Park, I volunteered in town to support the police,” said Sharon Boy, who lives in Manahawkin.  “We raised money for disabled police officers and those who died. But we never had a Blue Mass.  This is nice because we get to show how much we appreciate out officers.  Every time they go to work, they put themselves on the line.”

 Parishioners Fran and Don Oakes also have a vested interest in firefighters.  “Our oldest son has been a fireman in Montclair.  We came because we are grateful for his safety for the last 20 years.”  Fran Oakes recalled how for years she would call her son daily to make sure he got through his day unharmed. 

Chris Arienta, who has been with the Barnegat Fire Department Volunteer Squad for the past year, called the evening “a great experience.”

“I love being part of serving the community.  It is the best job ever,” he said.

Parishioner Ted Terzian, a lifetime member of the Stafford Township Fire Company, commented, “I have been at this Mass for the past 10 years.  It makes a big impact on myself and others in the company.  It’s a wonderful thing they’re doing here, reminding us that the Lord is watching over us.  It is wonderful to hear them honor those who serve the community and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”