Honoring Seton Hall University Public Safety and South Orange Police Department Members

On Tuesday, September 29, the Seton Hall University and South Orange community gathered for a new annual tradition – a special Mass for Seton Hall University Public Safety and the South Orange Police Department (SOPD). The day was a perfect one to thank, honor and remember Department of Public Safety and SOPD as it was the feast day of St. Michael the Archangel. The leader of the heavenly hosts of angels and the primary defender of faith, St. Michael the Archangel is the patron saint of police officers, soldiers and everyone charged with defending the safety and security of others. Nearly 20 members of Department of Public Safety and the SOPD along with many more members from the University community took a moment out of their busy days to come worship and receive a blessing on St. Michael the Archangel’s feast day.

Celebrant, Father Nick Sertich offered the special blessing for the Department of Public Safety and SOPD members in attendance and also delivered a heartfelt message to those in attendance during his homily. Father Nick spoke about the fact that St. Michael administered the justice of God, just as our police offers and public safety officials do each day. He went on to say that “What you do every day is not work. It is your life’s vocation, a vocation that has been placed in your mind, heart and spirit by God.” Not only do our police officers and public safety officials administer justice, but as Father Nick declared, they are ministers of God’s peace and joy to the community as well. The Department of Public Safety and SOPD are truly beacons of God’s light at Seton Hall and signs that God watchfully protects us each day. The Mass was a reminder of how fortunate we all are to have protectors and servants in our presence such as the Department of Public Safety and SOPD.

To all the Department of Public Safety and SOPD members, thank you for your service to the Seton Hall University and South Orange community, your work does not go unnoticed. Along with all who serve right now, we remember in a special way all of our Department of Public Safety and SOPD members who have gone before us in the line of service. Thank you for protecting our community and bringing God’s justice, peace and joy to the world.

Categories: Community Engagement, Faith and Service