MEMBERS of Sarawak’s Catholic legal fraternity celebrated the annual Red Mass at Blessed Sacrament Church in Kuching, marking a longstanding tradition at the start of the year to seek guidance for those involved in the administration of justice.
Archbishop Datuk Simon Poh presided over the mass, assisted by Father Leonard Yap, with judges, legal practitioners, law students and officials in attendance.
In his homily, Poh reflected on the call to uphold justice, mercy and faithfulness.
He also challenged the legal community to look beyond mere legalism and exercise their duties with a conscience rooted in integrity and a commitment to the common good.
In a statement, the organising committee said the Red Mass remains a significant annual event, providing a space for reflection and spiritual renewal for everyone in the legal profession as they begin another year of service to the public.
“The presence of senior members of the judiciary and the state’s legal counsel underscores the unity and shared purpose of the legal community in Sarawak,” it said.
The ceremony concluded with a presentation of mementos to the celebrants by state legal counsel Datuk JC Fong and senior counsel Lucy Salang, representing the Sarawak Catholic legal fraternity.
Following the service, the committee thanked the clergy and volunteers who contributed to the celebration.
The Red Mass is a centuries-old tradition which began in Paris in 1245.
It was first observed in Sarawak in 2015.
