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National First Responders Day
As we honor first responders this week, I wish to extend my prayers and gratitude to all local and area first responders who serve our community every day.
Congress designated October 28 as National First Responders Day in 2017. The day honors the paramedics, emergency medical technicians, firefighters, police officers and 911 operators who answer the call when a crisis arises, often putting their own lives on the line. Serving as a national day of gratitude, National First Responders Day pays tribute to their service to communities and honors fallen first responders.The patron saints for first responders include:
- Saint Florian - Patron saint of firefighters. A third-century Roman soldier who organized firefighting brigades.He was martyred in 304 A.D. His feast day is May 4.
- Saint Michael the Archangel - Patron saint of police officers, law enforcement and paramedics. As leader of God's army against evil, he represents protection and courage. His feast day is September 29.
- Saint John of God - Patron saint of emergency medical technicians and nurses. He founded the Brothers Hospitallers and dedicated his life to caring for the sick and dying. His feast day is March 8.
- Saint Raphael the Archangel - Patron of emergency medical workers and those who provide healing care.
Many Catholic parishes and fire and police departments hold special blessings on these feast days or display medals and statues of these patron saints.
Veterans, mark your calendar: Veterans will be recognized, prayed for and may receive a blessing at all Masses the weekend of November 8-9. Veterans Day is Tuesday, November 11.
Please join me in praying for our first responders.In Christ Jesus,
Father Paul, OSBFather Paul Nord, OSBPastor -
A Prayer for First RespondersHeavenly Father, we come before you with hearts full of gratitude for the first responders in our community and across the nation. We thank you for their courage, their selflessness, and their unwavering dedication to protecting and saving lives. Lord, we ask for your divine protection over them as they face dangerous situations and respond to those in need. Grant them strength, wisdom, and resilience, and may they feel your comforting presence in moments of stress and fear. Shield them from harm, bless their families, and bring them home safely. In your holy name we pray, Amen.