RP Catholic bishops set Red Mass for new govt officials

Hoping that the new leaders of the country will get the blessing of enlightenment as they serve the people, Catholic bishops have set a Red Mass to be attended by the officials of the new administration. Organized by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and the Manila Archdiocese, the Red Mass will be held at 9 a.m. at the Manila Cathedral on July 7. “I think it can have the effect of unifying the people… the fact that we’ll be gathering here the justice, judges, legislators and various political parties and they’ll pray under the same God and they’re working for the same people," constitutionalist priest Joaquin Bernas said in an article posted Friday night on the CBCP news site. In the Catholic tradition, the Red Mass was usually reserved for those in the judiciary. But on July 7, the bishops will gather with area judges, lawyers and even government leaders to celebrate the said Eucharistic celebration. The CBCP said that while the Red Mass is scheduled yearly in the country, this will the first time that national and local leaders are encouraged to attend the gathering. Government officials led by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III and Vice President Jejomar Binay, as well as justices, bishops and lawyers have been invited to the mass, according to a report on dzBB radio. Also expected to grace the occasion are officials of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Court of Tax Appeals and Sandiganbayan. From the academe, officials of the Philippine Association of Law Schools, officers of Integrated Bar of the Philippines and even the commissioners of the Commission on Elections are attending the event. “This is really for those who are active in the judiciary. It will be good if some from the legislative branches will come," said Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales. The Red Mass requests guidance from the Holy Spirit for all who seek justice, and offers the opportunity to reflect on what Catholics believe is the God-given power and responsibility of all in the legal profession. It originated in Europe and derives its name from the red vestments traditionally worn in symbolism of the tongues of fire that descended on the Apostles at Pentecost. — LBG, GMANews.TV