Seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit
CHARLOTTE — Dozens of Catholic members of the legal profession gathered at St. Peter Church for 15th annual Red Mass Oct. 25. Many are members of the St. Thomas More Society, which emphasizes living a life faithful to Jesus Christ and His Church, seeking to promote justice in society.
The Red Mass is celebrated throughout the United States traditionally in conjunction with the opening session of the U.S. Supreme Court, giving members of the legal community the opportunity to reflect on the God-given responsibilities of their profession.
The Mass in Charlotte, a votive Mass of the Holy Spirit, was celebrated by Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey.
In his homily, Abbot Placid encouraged members of the St. Thomas More Society and others present to pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance in “the difficult and very important work” they do. He urged them to seek charity, justice, truth and wisdom, and to conform their lives, choices and actions to the will of God.
“This association of Catholic professionals is so important for building up the Church in Charlotte and to giving witness – precisely through their professional competence and expertise – to the truth and (Catholic) faith,” he said.
Four members of the St. Thomas More Society assisted at Mass: one as cantor, two brought up the gifts during the offertory and one as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion.
After Mass, members explained why they attended the celebration.
“We think it’s important for very busy lawyers to take time out of their day and pray and ask for the Holy Spirit to help us seek justice in the justice system, so at the beginning of the Supreme Court term that is what we try to do every year,” said U.S. District Judge Robert Conrad, who has been on the bench for 15 years.
“The Red Mass is very important to me because it allows me to get together with fellow lawyers and those in the legal profession through prayer and to bring that back within our legal community and beyond and to spread the Word of the Gospel to the greater community,” said attorney Matt Orso.
Echoing his sentiments, attorney Michael Hoefling noted, “It’s important as a community of lawyers to ask for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to guide our practice.”
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter
