PROVIDENCE – Members of the state’s legal and law enforcement communities attending the Red Mass, were told that they have a responsibility to integrate their identity as a legal professional with their identity as a Christian.
The annual Red Mass, invoking the Holy Spirit upon the judicial year, is sponsored by the St. Thomas More Society of Rhode Island.
In his homily, delivered in the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul on Oct. 5, Father Jonathan DeFelice, O.S.B., president of St. Anselm College, said that “very often – too often – today, our potential contribution to the dialogue about the progress of society and culture has been marginalized, pushed to the edge because somehow what we have to offer is seen to just be some other opinion from an ill-guided person of faith.”
Father DeFelice, a graduate of Portsmouth Abbey and a Bristol native, said however, that our Catholic tradition “calls us unquestionably to be an active participant in the dialogue that takes place in the public square about what is right and wrong, what is just and unjust, what promotes true human dignity and what does not.”
He told those gathered that if they are able to integrate their identity as a Christian and as a legal professional, and bring the best of the Christian tradition to their decisions and actions, they could have an “enormous effect for good in the growth of our culture and civilization.
“At times this may not be a popular or easy position to be in, but this is always the price of acting according to a well-informed conscience,” Father DeFelice continued. “We cannot afford to sit on the sidelines of the decisions of life and death, of freedom and oppression, of immigration and prosperity. We have too much to offer from our faith and our tradition to do that.”
Father DeFelice emphasized that Catholics cannot be silent in the face of injustice because every human person “is precious and unique in the eyes of God and deserving of the respect and protection of our society.” Atty. Joseph J. Roszkowski, a parishioner of St. John Vianney Church, Cumberland and a former probate judge for the Town of Cumberland, attended the Red Mass with his wife Geraldine.
“We find it very inspirational – the pageantry, music and fine homilies,” Atty. Roszkowski said, adding that he and his wife have attended the Mass for several years.
Atty. Roszowski agreed with Father DeFelice about the need for individuals to integrate their professional and spiritual lives.
“I think that a moral life is a purposeful life,” he added.
Atty. Christopher Bijesse, who worships at Our Lady, Queen of Martyrs Church, Woonsocket, and is a past Grand Knight of the Pascoag Council No. 383, Knights of Columbus, said that Father DeFelice’s homily illustrated the dichotomy that sometimes exists in being a Christian and having the duty to be a zealous advocate for a client charged with an offense that is in violation of the attorney’s moral beliefs.
“Sometimes they are just not in sync,” he emphasized. “I think it’s more important to maintain your identity as a Christian. You can always choose who you want to represent.”
Bijesse added, however, that he would not refuse representation to anyone who committed an offense that is in contradiction to his Catholic faith if they acknowledge their wrongdoing and express remorse for their actions. “I believe that Jesus taught by example to keep God’s commandments but I also believe that he taught forgiveness,” Bijesse continued. “People who violate the law should be held accountable but should be afforded a legal defense and any latitude that the law affords them.”
Bishop Thomas J. Tobin served as the main celebrant of the Red Mass; Bishops Louis E. Gelineau and Francis X. Roque, Father DeFelice and several diocesan priests served as concelebrants.
The traditional name of the Red Mass is derived from the color of the vestments worn by the bishops and priests symbolizing the tongues of fire representing the Holy Spirit.
The St. Thomas More Society was founded in 1998 to advance the spiritual, moral and religious growth of attorneys who practice in the Ocean State. Judge Francis X. Flaherty serves as president of the non-denominational organization.
