Bishops to offer 'red Mass' for lawyers, judiciary

MANILA, Philippines - With many cases being filed before the courts, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and the Archdiocese of Manila (AoM) said yesterday they will offer a “red Mass” for the enlightenment of justices, judges and lawyers.

The red Mass is scheduled on July 7 at 9 a.m. at the Manila Cathedral. Officials said this may be the first time the archdiocese will host a red Mass. Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales and several bishops and priests will celebrate the Mass to seek the help of the Holy Spirit to guide the justices in crafting their decisions and the lawyers in preparing their pleadings.

“The mass is a sacrament…This is to enlighten those who will continue governance in the republic. In other words, the need for prayers…the need to invoke the Holy Spirit…It cuts through political division,” Rosales said.

Fr. Joaquin Bernas, dean emeritus of the Ateneo Law School, said they “are thinking more of the lawyers and the judges who really need our prayers very much. But I think it can have the effect of unifying the people.”

The organizers said they are inviting members of the judiciary, the executive department, and lawmakers to attend.

But when asked if Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was invited, Bernas said it would be nice if Arroyo and President Aquino would both be present, even if they would be seated apart from each other.

“But I don’t expect her to come she’s very busy preparing for constitutional amendments,” the noted constitutionalist said.

The tradition of the red Mass started in England and France in the Middle Ages. The color signifies the liturgical vestments traditionally worn to symbolize the tongues of fire that descended on the Apostles at Pentecost.

For the past several years, the Ateneo Law School has opened its academic year with a red Mass.