Posted October 1, 2019

Father Dennis Gill, rector of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, celebrated Mass Sept. 22 for Philadelphia’s peace officers as well as present and past members of the League of the Sacred Heart, an organization supporting Catholic peace officers. Read coverage of the Mass in our Local News section. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • Firefighter Christopher Wallis lowers his head in prayer.

  • Some of Philadelphia’s police, firefighters and other first responders gathered for a Blue Mass Sept. 22 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.

  • Philadelphia Police Officers Richard Monaghan of Charles Borromeo Parish in Bensalem and John Cavalieri of St. Matthew Parish in Philadelphia pray during Mass.

  • Philadelphia Police Officer Brian Freas of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish receives holy Communion from Father Dennis Gill.

  • Police officers Matthew Zagursky (St. Jerome Parish), Joseph Mazzuca (St. Katharine of Siena Parish) and Brian Freas (Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish) pray after receiving Communion.

  • Father Dennis Gill gives a solemn blessing at the end of Mass.