CNA Staff, Oct 5, 2020 / 08:00 am
Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington preached on the sanctity of of life and universal human dignity at the annual "Red Mass" to mark the opening of the judicial year in Washington, D.C., on Sunday.
Addressing a congregation which included Supreme Court justices and public officials during Sunday's Mass of the Holy Spirit, Bishop Burbidge emphasized the importance of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, especially counsel, wisdom, and strength.
"These are the gifts we need to protect the sacredness of all human life from conception to natural death, to uphold the dignity of every human person without exception, to rid our nation of the evils of racism and discrimination and violence in our streets, to bring justice to the poor and the marginalized, the immigrant, and the most vulnerable, to protect religious freedom and liberty, and to take care of God's creation, our common home," he said.
The Red Mass is so-called because of the red vestments worn for the Mass of the Holy Spirit, whose gifts are sought for public servants.