More than 100 police, firefighters, judges and elected officials gathered Friday at Old St. Mary's Church in Over-the-Rhine to ask God to guide them in their public service.

        The ceremony, known as the Red Mass, originated centuries ago in Europe and has occasionally been celebrated in the United States. This was the third one in Cincinnati.

The Most Rev. Daniel E. Pilarczyk delivers the Red Mass homily Friday at Old St. Mary's Church in Over-the-Rhine. (Craig Ruttle photo) | ZOOM |

        The Most Rev. Daniel E. Pilarczyk, archbishop of Cincinnati, led the service, which was sponsored by the St. Thomas More Society of Greater Cincinnati. Organizers said the ceremony is open to all faiths and is intended to call upon “the Spirit of God for guidance and thanksgiving.”

        Archbishop Pilarczyk told the crowd in the packed sanctuary that “justice” was the common denominator that brought everyone together. He said that justice is not a human construct but something endowed on humanity by God.

        “Because you are involved in upholding justice, you are involved in the long-range plans of Jesus Christ our creator,” he said. “Know that what you do is an important part of God's project of redemption.

        “I urge you to practice justice carefully ... and lovingly,” he said. “Our city and our world is depending on that.”

        During the ceremony, those in attendance prayed for the victims and mourners of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Prayers were also said for the safety of police and firefighters and for wisdom, good judgment, courage and care for the common good for lawmakers and other elected officials.

        Public officials from Cincinnati, Covington, Fort Wright, Hamilton and Clermont counties were in attendance.

        Participants met at the Hamilton County Courthouse for a reception following the church service.
       

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