LEWISTON – Law enforcement, fire and emergency personnel from across the state will gather in Lewiston at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul for a special commemorative Mass honoring their service to the people of Maine.

This first Blue Mass will be at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 11. Bishop Richard J. Malone will bestow his blessings upon those who contribute to the public health and safety in Maine.

“It’s fitting that the first annual Blue Mass will take place on the anniversary of the Sept. 11th tragedy, the day so many brave men and women of the police and fire departments around New York and Washington sacrificed their lives and saved so many others. But this Mass is to thank those who serve us every day,” Bishop Malone said in a prepared statement.

Members of these public safety agencies will attend the Mass in uniform, color guards will be on hand and vehicles representing all the departments will be on display around the Basilica.

Family members and the general public are invited to attend this celebratory event, which will be followed by a reception in the lower level of Saints Peter and Paul.

In future years, the Mass will take place on the weekend closest to Sept. 11.