Red Mass Celebrated by Florida Bishops

Recently referred to as the "crown jewel" of Catholic Days at the Capitol, the Red Mass of the Holy Spirit was celebrated the evening of Wednesay, April 5 at the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More. Braving rain and the threat of severe storms, lay faithful, legislators, Governor and Mrs. Scott, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, members of the Florida Bar, and others of good will joined the bishops to pray for divine inspiration and guidance for those working in the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government.

Msgr. James Flaherty, administrator of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, offered the homily. His message focused on leadership and promotion of the common good. "In our country today, we need to see our leaders, people of integrity, lead in the best of times and the worst of times. Leaders must mianitain a climate of mutual trust so that we can all work together to build a more just society that is concerned with the common good," proclaimed Msgr. Flaherty.

Two Florida lawmakers, Representative Kathleen Peters, District 69, St. Petersburg, and Representative Danny Burgess, District 38, Zephyrhills, served as lectors during the Mass.

Read Msgr. Flaherty's homily here.