Archbishop John Wester of Santa Fe presides over the Blue Mass, offering blessings and honors to first responders.

Archbishop John Wester of Santa Fe blesses the horses of the Albuquerque Police Department's Mounted Unit during the Blue Mass at the Queen of Heaven Catholic Parish in Albuquerque, N.M., on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. For the 16th year, the annual blessing honors first responders who have devoted their lives to serving their community and pays tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Linda Fay Minero prays during the Blue Mass at Queen of Heaven Catholic Parish in Albuquerque, N.M., on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. For the 16th year, the annual blessing honors first responders who have devoted their lives to serving their community and pays tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina attends the Blue Mass alongside Mayor Tim Keller, led by Archbishop John Wester of Santa Fe, at the Queen of Heaven Catholic Parish in Albuquerque, N.M., on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. For 16 years, the annual blessing honors first responders who have devoted their lives to serving their community and pays tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Archbishop John Wester of Santa Fe presides over the Blue Mass at the Queen of Heaven Catholic Parish in Albuquerque, N.M., on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. For the 16th year, the annual blessing honors first responders who have devoted their lives to serving their community and pays tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Capt. Joseph Gonzales and retired Battalion Commander William Walker of Bernalillo County Fire and Rescue attended the Blue Mass at Queen of Heaven Catholic Parish in Albuquerque, N.M., on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. For the 16th year, the annual blessing honors first responders who have devoted their lives to serving their community and pays tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Lupe Reynoso, RN with New Mexico Nurses Honor Guard, receives communion by Archbishop John Wester of Santa Fe during the Blue Mass at the Queen of Heaven Catholic Parish in Albuquerque, N.M., on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. For the 16th year, the annual blessing honors first responders who have devoted their lives to serving their community and pays tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

The Chesterton Academy of Albuquerque's choir members perform during the Blue Mass at the Queen of Heaven Catholic Parish in Albuquerque, N.M., on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. For 16 years, the annual blessing honors first responders who have devoted their lives to serving their community and pays tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Archbishop John Wester of Santa Fe presides over the Blue Mass at the Queen of Heaven Catholic Parish in Albuquerque, N.M., on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. For the 16th year, the annual blessing honors first responders who have devoted their lives to serving their community and pays tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Chancey Bush

Chancey Bush Chancey Bush Chancey Bush Photographer

Published September 25, 2025 - 5:37 p.m. Modified September 25, 2025 - 6:09 p.m.

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