State Attorney-General, Datuk Roderic Fernandez gave the organisers of the Red Mass at the Church of Mary Immaculate in Bukit Padang, Saturday, a pat on the back for their inaugural effort in staging it for Catholic members of the legal fraternity.
The purpose of a Red Mass, the Roman Catholic service for people in the law profession and judiciary, was for the Bar and Bench to join its celebration in calling on the Holy Spirit to guide them in administering justice.
Archbishop Lee said the Mass of the Holy Spirit for lawyers and judges, dating back to the 13th century, has been celebrated annually in the Catholic Church in West Malaysia and other countries.
The first recorded Red Mass was celebrated in France in 1245 while the tradition began in England during the reign of King Edward II in 1310.
"I think this initiative in Sabah is great. I understand that it has been going on in other countries. I hope it continues in the years to come," he said, adding he expects a bigger crowd next year with wider publicity.
Sessions Court Judge Duncan Sikodol, who was the only Catholic judge present, supported Archbishop Datuk John Lee's suggestion that Red Mass be carried on in future.
"This kind of get-together also promotes the spirit of fellowship.
I hope more from my fraternity will join in next year.
Some of them are outstation and could not make it."
Organising Chairman Martin Idang said the idea of embracing this historical tradition (within the Catholic Church) in Sabah for the first time was mooted by the Archdiocesan Human Development Commission (AHDC).
"Archbishop Datuk John Lee was all for it and said 'Yes, why not?'
Basically, it is for Catholic members of the legal fraternity and judiciary to invoke the assistance of the Holy Spirit in dispensing justice," he explained, adding this has been practised in Selangor and Singapore for years.
He also welcomed the Archbishop's proposal that a formal body be formed by Catholic members of the legal profession. "We will work towards making it a reality," Idang enthused.
Co-ordinator of AHDC, Dominic Lim, said what has been envisioned is the formation of a Catholic Lawyers Association after the Red Mass.
"The red colour is associated with the 'fire' of the Holy Spirit.
Today, we invoke the power of the Holy Spirit to inspire our lawyers and judges in the conduct of their affairs.
"We pray that the Holy Spirit will infuse them with courage and wisdom to defend what is right and just. That is the whole purpose."
Saying the Commission has several sub-committees to oversee specific issues, Lim said this is where lawyers can play an effective.
Meanwhile, Gordon Leong said the Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit was in conjunction with the beginning of the legal year.
Describing it as a timely and good move, he said those involved in the administration of justice, together with Archdiocesan Human Development Commission (AHDC), decided to introduce the Red Mass this year.
"This mass is a reminder to us to upkeep justice. It also enables Christian lawyers, especially the Catholic lawyers to foster a closer fellowship."
Daily Express Sabah
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