Fire apparatus blessed in Summit Hill

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Summit Hill held a special Mass on Wednesday, the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, to recognize those who make sacrifices to keep us safe.

Although firefighters, police and emergency responders were honored, so were lawyers, judges and health care workers.

About three dozen firefighters from throughout the Panther Valley — especially Summit Hill, Lansford and Nesquehoning — attended the service.

Afterward, the Rev. Allen Hoffa, pastor of the church, conducted a blessing of apparatus of the three fire departments.

Hoffa was assisted by deacons Joseph Cannon and Edward Girard.

Hoffa termed it a “Red, White and Blue Mass.” He said the red symbolizes the lawyers and judges. The white symbolizes the medical profession, including doctors and nurses. The blue is symbolic of police, firefighters, ambulance personnel and other emergency responders.

He said this is the first time the Masses for the respective colors were combined into one service.

He said Sept. 11 has become known as “Patriot Day” because of what happened at the three locations on Sept. 11, 2001.

The minister said he’s proud of the people in the Panther Valley who fall under all three colors, “but I tell people especially about those who are included under the Blue Mass.”

Regarding faith, he said it’s what those have “who respond when others flee.”

Love is demonstrated by those individuals who are “willing to put in that extra sacrifice.”

He told how individuals, whether doctors or firefighters, provide hope. He said, “Even in the darkest moments of life, the darkest moments that happen, there are people who are willing to respond,” he said, which gives hope to those in need.

He used God and Jesus Christ as examples of providing faith, hope and love.

The congregation sang the songs “America the Beautiful,” “This Is My Song,” “God Bless America,” and “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”