Lawyers renew oath at Red Mass

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Nov 22, 2024
Bishop John Noonan celebrates the Red Mass, Nov. 21, 2024 honoring and bless all those in the judicial professions defending truth and justice. Back left, Deacon Dave Camous, Father Phil Negley, Father Martin Nguyen, Bishop John Noonan, Deacon Joe Bellissimo. Front left, Albert Behzadi is next to his mother and St. Thomas More award winner Dean Leticia Diaz, Rev. Chris Ham of Rescue Outreach Mission-recipient of the St. Martin de Porres award, Father John Giel and Father Kenneth Onyeabor. (GLENDA MEEKIINS)

ORLANDO | Bishop John Noonan presided over the celebration of the Red Mass, praying over almost 100 lawyers and members of the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Central Florida, including judges, attorneys, and all members of the legal profession.

Reaffirming their commitment to justice and their faith, the guild honored Rescue Outreach Mission with the St. Martin de Porres award. The nonprofit organization serves disadvantaged people throughout Central Florida. It aims to provide a pathway to bridge the gap between homelessness to housing and self-sufficiency for individuals and families.

St. Martin de Porres is the patron saint of social justice. He devoted his life to the corporal works of mercy through the care of the sick and injured and selfless service to the poor.

The Lawyers Guild also honored Leticia Diaz, dean and professor at Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law with the St. Thomas More award. Dean Diaz is the first Cuban American female dean of an ABA-accredited law school in the U.S., a role that has reflected her commitment to advancing access within the legal profession. Her personal journey, from immigrating to the U.S. as a young child to becoming a pioneering legal educator, is deeply informed by her Catholic faith and the mission of the Adrian Dominican Sisters, founders of Barry University. Inspired by these values, she has made it her mission to create a supportive and inclusive environment where students from all backgrounds feel welcomed and empowered.

Judges and lawyers renew their oath at the Red Mass at St. James Cathedral, Nov. 21, 2024. (GLENDA MEEKIINS)

St. Thomas More is known as the protector of lawyers. Born into a noble family in London in 1477, he studied law. He enjoyed great fortune with the ascent of Henry VIII, who used him for diplomatic missions, had him knighted and made him Lord Chancellor. He came to oppose the king, however, and refused to support him as head of the English Church against the Roman Catholic Church. In 1535, he was accused of treason, imprisoned and beheaded.

The Red Mass originated in France in the early 13th century as a service in which God was called upon to help lawyers and judges adhere to truth and justice. Priest-celebrants, as well as the judges of the High Court, wore red robes to signify their willingness to defend the truth inspired by the Holy Spirit, even at the cost of shedding one’s blood.

GLENDA MEEKINS
of the Florida Catholic staff