Red Mass honors Maine’s lawyers

LEWISTON – Scarlet banners decorated the restored nave of the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul as Maine’s Roman Catholic bishop presided at a special Mass honoring the state’s lawyers and judges and marking the start of the judicial year.

The ceremony on Friday marked a shift in location for the annual Red Mass, which is traditionally held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland. It was moved to Lewiston this year to honor the city’s Franco-American legal heritage.

Presiding was Bishop Richard Malone, who told court officers that the search for justice can be holy work. Malone said lawyers and judges must stay humble and that even the highest court must answer to a higher power.

“Don’t be too proud to fall to your knees and pray for guidance and forgiveness,” Malone said. “I know. I do it every day.”

The Red Mass, which began in Paris in the 13th century, is one of three special services held by the Diocese of Portland. Catholics celebrate a White Mass in February to honor the medical profession. On Sept. 11, the church held its first Blue Mass, in honor of emergency and public safety workers.

Malone and others in the official procession wore red Friday and many of the 300 or so attendees, including Gov. John Baldacci and dozens of local lawyers, wore red ties or carnations.

In his sermon, the bishop thanked them all for their work.

“God’s work is accomplished whenever you do the right thing,” Malone said. “God loves justice and order.”

“It’s how you live life as a person,” former Lewiston Mayor Larry Raymond said. A judge for 33 years and currently a practicing lawyer who attended the service, Raymond said he tries to apply his Catholic values to everything he does.