Patriotism: Red, White and Blue, What does it Mean to you?

The American Flag Embodies our American history. Stands for our military might. Infuses the sacrifices and bloodshed of our military. “Sews” our hopes and dreams into its cloth. Gives us liberty and justice under God. Swells our hearts with patriotism. But patriotism takes on more meaning with Liturgy. “Patriotism,” as defined by God and sanctioned by the Holy Spirit, is exemplified by those who serve the community in safety, in justice and in the health fields.

Patriotism Defined by God and the Holy Spirit Yearly, the Catholic faithful gather together in patriotism to celebrate red, white and blue masses. The Red Mass invokes the Holy Spirit to guide the Lawyers and the Legislative and Judicial branches of Government. Red vestments or garments are symbolically worn during mass. The mass originated in the 13 th century in France. The Red Mass tradition was inaugurated in the US on October 6, 1928.

Faithful CCW Catholics from five Florida Deaneries with legislative interests attend the masses held by their Bishops. The Bishops from each of the seven diocese are celebrants, along with their respective priests and deacons; all Catholics may attend, including CCW Sisters. The mass is open to the public. Two Red Masses Occur Annually

 This mass is celebrated at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Florida.  The Archbishop of Miami and Bishops from seven diocese (Miami, Orlando, Palm Beach, Pensacola-Tallahassee, St. Augustine, St. Petersburg and Venice) attend.  Legislators, lawyers, and the Catholics with Legislative interests attend. The mass is open to the public. Celebrant Archbishop Thomas O. Wenski and other Bishops at CDAC, The Red Mass of the Holy Spirit

The next red mass takes place during the Catholic Days at the Capitol (CDAC) on Feb. 16 – 18, 2016 in Tallahassee, Florida. “Come Holy Spirit, fill us with wisdom, under- standing, right of judgement, courage, knowledge, reverence, wonder and awe.”

Red Mass of the Holy Spirit at the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More, Tallahassee, Florida

Saint Thomas More: the Patron Saint of Politicians and Statesmen Pray, that for the greater glory and honor of God, and in pursuit of His justice, I may be able in argument, accurate in analysis, strict in study, correct in conclusion, candid with clients, honest with adversaries, and faithful in all detail of the faith. Be with me always and everywhere. Amen.

The White Mass The annual White Mass recognizes those in the medical fields who protect the health and care for the ill and dying.  It includes physicians, nurses, compassionate care ministers, chaplains, and mental health workers.  The color white relates to the white garments worn by those in the medical profession.  The traditional mass originated in the US with the development of the National Catholic Medical Association in the early 1930s. St. Luke, is the patron saint of the white mass; he is the Saint of artists, physicians, surgeons, students and butchers and his feast day falls on October 18.

Saint Luke Saint Luke the Evangelist, is the only Gentile Christian among the Gospel writers. Tradition holds him to be a native of Antioch, and Paul calls him "our beloved physician" (Colossians 4:14).

A Prayer for Doctors and Nurses O merciful Father, who have wonderfully fashioned man in your own image, and have made his body to be a temple of the Holy Spirit, sanctify, we pray you, our doctors and nurses and all those whom you have called to study and practice the arts of healing the sick and the prevention of disease and pain. Strengthen them in body and soul, and bless their work, that they may give comfort to those for whose salvation your Son became Man, lived on this earth, healed the sick, and suffered and died on the Cross. Amen. Source:

The Blue Mass The annual Blue Mass is for first-responders such as public safety-workers, police officers, fire-fighters, correctional officers, 911 operators and EMS Personnel. The color blue relates to the blue-colored uniforms predominantly used at these services. The mass dates to September 29, 1934, when the Catholic Police and Fireman’s Society held the first mass at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Washington, D.C. The mass coincides with the feast day of St. Michael the Archangel, the patron saint of police officers/first- responders.

St. Michael the Archangel St. Michael the Archangel, is our patron Saint who invokes gifts of the Holy Spirit that include wisdom, understanding, counsel and fortitude. His feast day is September 29.

A Review of the Masses in Florida Participants in the masses include the Catholic religious, Knights of Columbus, the Central Deaneries, the Councils of Catholic Women, Legislative Advocates and other Catholic affiliations, school organizations and the public. The Blessed Sacraments of the masses are avail- able to Catholics and public alike. Each mass is inspirational, awe-inspiring, uplifting and has the effect of a Spiritual encounter or retreat.

A Legislative Interview with a State House Representative During Catholic Days at the Capitol, time-slots are set aside for CCW Legislative Representatives to interview legislators and senators.

2015 CDAC Participants in Tallahassee

How Much Patriotism Do you Hold in Your Wallet? Did you vote at the last Presidential election? Do you know your precinct and district? (It’s on the backside of your voting card.) County Precinct 533, Congressional District 9, FL Senate District 13 and State House District 49.

What Does Patriotism Mean to You? Patriotism applies to all the things we value, love and cherish: our military protectors, our first-responders, our judicial and legislative personnel, our medical care- takers and most important – our love and faith in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Patriotism stands for the blood shed by those who serve the common good in faithful Christian prayer and servitude, the same blood Jesus Christ sacrificed for us. Patriotism expects faithful Christians and all alike to become active to pray for those who protect us in the diligence of our Red, White and Blue masses and our Flag that protects our precious freedoms.

Patriotism expects YOU to be proactive. Are you?