On Sunday, September 7, 2025, members of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) attended the Annual Blue Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis. The Blue Mass, a tradition dating back to 1934, is held each September to show gratitude to emergency responders for their service and sacrifice.
During this year’s Mass, SLMPD Chaplain John Fava—who announced his retirement in August—was honored with the Order of St. Louis the King for his outstanding contributions. The award is the highest honor bestowed by the Archdiocese of St. Louis, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional and consistent service to the Church.
Chaplain Fava began his ministry as a police chaplain with the Denver Police Department in 1981 before moving to St. Louis. For the past 22 years, he has faithfully served the men and women of the SLMPD, providing spiritual support, guidance, and compassion to officers, staff, and their families.
“Chaplain Fava has been a steady source of strength and encouragement to our department for more than two decades,” said SLMPD Chief Robert J. Tracy. “We are grateful for his service, his faith, and his unwavering commitment to our officers and community.”
Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski said in part:
For over two decades, you have been a source of strength, encouragement, and hope to the men and women who serve and protect our city. You walk beside them in their daily challenges, celebrate with them in their triumphs, and comfort them in moments of tragedy and loss.
What made your ministry so powerful was your presence in the small and quiet ways. A word of encouragement at roll call, a prayer at the scene of an accident, a listening ear after a long shift — these were the gifts that endeared you to the officers and earned you the affectionate name “Bro Jo.” You are a brother and a friend.
The SLMPD extends its deepest gratitude to Chaplain Fava for his decades of service and congratulates him on this well-deserved recognition.
