“You can’t put a price on the sacrifices that those in public safety make,” said Deacon Mark Weber during his homily at the 14th Annual Blue Mass, held at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in San Bernardino on October 7.
At the Blue Mass, San Bernardino County Detective David Clifford was honored with the Patrick G. Crowe Award, given to a public safety member who exhibits exceptional service to the community, department or Church in some way. Clifford, who works in the Special Investigations Division - Crimes Against Children Detail, noted that he was receiving the honor in the very same church where he was Confirmed into the Catholic faith.
Bishop Gerald Barnes was the chief celebrant at both the Blue Mass and Red Mass. Father Rafael Partida, EV, delivered the homily at the 25th Annual Red Mass, held on Oct. 6 at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral. He reflected on the origins of the Red Mass, which began in France in 1245 as a way for lawyers and judges to pray for God’s wisdom in their work.
“We must strive for peace and love within our being and to embrace in heart and mind the spirit that dwells within each one of us; and that the gift of justice has been implanted in us,” Fr. Partida said.
Attorney Barbara Keough was honored after the Red Mass with the Saint Thomas More Award, presented each year to an attorney or a judge whose conduct in his or her profession is an extension of his or her faith, who has filled the lives of the faithful with hope by being a legal advocate for those in need.
Keough has many community involvements in addition to being in private practice as a partner in the Ontario Office of Cota & Cole, LLP. She is Board Secretary of both the Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino and the San Bernardino County Bar Association; she served on the San Bernardino area Habitat for Humanity Board for many years; she is currently on the Diocesan Liturgical Commission; and she serves as Music Director at her parish, The Holy Name of Jesus in Redlands.
It was the third straight year that the Diocese held a White Mass, after the event had gone dormant for more than a decade. It was held at Christ the Redeemer Church in Grand Terrace on October 18, the Feast Day of St. Luke, Patron Saint of physicians and surgeons. More than three hundred healthcare workers from throughout the Diocese attended and were honored for their service to others with prayers, anointing and special medals.
Auxiliary Bishop Rutilio del Riego was the chief celebrant at the White Mass and bestowed several awards.
Special awards were presented to those who have gone above and beyond, distinguishing themselves in practice and adhering to Catholic moral values and beliefs:
St. Luke Award (Physician)—Dr. Vellore Ganesh Muraligopal, Trustee Emeritus of St. Bernardine Medical Center Foundation, respected neonatologist, philanthropist and member of The Holy Name of Jesus parish.
Florence Nightingale Award (Nurse) – Jose Macias, who has worked for 19 year as a Licensed Vocational Nurse in the Emergency Room of Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, exhibiting great compassion for his patients and an ardent zeal for the nursing profession.
Bishop Award (Healthcare provider who is not a physician or nurse) – Rodney Koenig lead Physician’s Assistant in the Emergency Department of Community Hospital of San Bernardino, who models a Christ-like presence to his staff and to his patients, volunteers with youth football, mentors a college student and is a member of St. Andrew Newman Center parish in Riverside.
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award (individual who is not a medical professional, but has supported health projects and programs) – Sister Christine Schleich, Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, educator; missionary; community worker for the poor, homeless, hungry, perinatal care; and employee educator for St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Apple Valley.