Nassau, The Bahamas – Members of the legal profession attended the annual Red Mass at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral on Sunday, January 9.
The Most Rev. Patrick Pinder, archbishop, presided over the service. Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham, Prime Minister; Chief Justice Sir Michael Barnett, The Hon. John Delaney, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs and Court of Appeal President Anita Allen were among those in attendance.
Archbishop Pinder said the day is to set aside and invoke the guidance and grace of the Holy Spirit on members of the legal profession in recognition of the role they play in ensuring order in the community.
In his message Archbishop Pinder said the primary agents of law enforcers are not the police or the courts, but the ordinary citizens in their civil demeanor. He said it is important to realize that the abandonment of civility initiates the lack of respect for law and order, breaches respect for neighbors and leads to blatant criminality.
Civility, he said, speaks to one’s respect for individual differences, boundaries and protecting the rights of others. Archbishop Pinder urged those in attendance not to be motivated by favoritism of any sort.
“Doing good must be the compass by which we navigate the challenges of our sojourn in this world.” Missions must be aimed toward healing, restoration and rehabilitation, he added.
By Kathryn Campbell
Bahamas Information Services
