Corporal Gail Kolias says she leans heavily on her faith to help her deal with the stress of police work.
“Everyday when I get dressed, I say a prayer before I go out,” says Kolias, of the Corona Police Department. “It’s a big part of me.”
Cpl. Kolias was among those who attended the 24th Annual Blue Mass, a liturgy offered by the diocese to nurture the spiritual lives of police, firefighters and first responders and give local Catholics an opportunity to pray with and for them.
The Blue Mass was held Oct. 8 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Riverside with Bishop Alberto Rojas serving as the chief celebrant. The bishop thanked those in attendance for their brave service and “putting your very lives on the line every day to keep us safe.”
Father Tomas Guillen, pastor of Saint Oscar Romero Parish in Eastvale and a chaplain to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office for the past four years, concelebrated the Blue Mass and gave the homily. Reflecting on his own work in helping public safety personnel process the sometimes-tragic elements of their work, Fr. Guillen encouraged first responders to turn to God.
“As we look at a world that is broken, we receive from the Lord that drop of grace and peace,” he said.
Public safety work that is informed by faith can indeed make a difference, Fr. Guillen preached. “Our faith trains us to show the love of God by our lives.”
This theme was also emphasized in the presentation of the Patrick G. Crowe Public Service Award, an honor given each year at the Blue Mass to someone whose faith uplifted their work in public safety. The 2025 honoree was Lou Lozano, a retired officer with the Los Angeles Police Department who has been an active parishioner of Sacred Heart, Rancho Cucamonga for decades.
“As a police officer you demonstrated courage, commitment and a profound sense of duty, standing as a sentinel of peace in our society,” said Deacon Manuel Vides, Chairman of the Blue Mass Planning Committee, in introducing Lozano. “That same spirit of service has been a true blessing to our church family.”
Lozano has served several ministries at Sacred Heart, including usher, arts and environment, and cleaning of church buildings. “For a quarter century you have served God and our community with humility and strength, working tirelessly behind the scenes and greeting people at the door,” Deacon Vides added.
At the conclusion of the Blue Mass, Bishop Rojas, clergy and police chaplains who were present conducted the Blessing of the Badges ritual, where public safety personnel in attendance were invited to come forward for a special blessing.