By Daniel Hartill,Staff Writer
Bishop Richard Malone presides over the first Red Mass at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

LEWISTON – Whether one is fighting crime or sin, seeking justice can be holy work, the leader of Maine’s Catholic church said Friday.

However, lawyers and judges must stay humble. Even the highest court must answer to an even higher power, Bishop Richard Malone said.

“Don’t be too proud to fall to your knees and pray for guidance and forgiveness,” Malone told court officers at a special Mass in Lewiston. “I know. I do it every day.”

The service, known as a Red Mass, was the first of its kind held at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

For decades, the annual service for Maine’s lawyers and judges has been held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland. This time, the service was moved to Lewiston to honor the city’s Franco-American legal heritage.

Of course, the Red Mass’ own history goes back much further.

It began in the 13th century in Paris, France.

Praying for the enlightened administration of justice, church officials wore red robes as a connection with French courtrooms, where officials also wore red.

The Mass is one of three special services held each year by Maine’s Roman Catholic diocese.

In February, Catholics celebrate a White Mass to honor the medical profession. On Sept. 11, the church held its first Blue Mass, in honor of emergency and public safety workers.

Red was visible everywhere Friday.

Scarlet banners decorated the columns of the basilica’s restored nave. An identical shade of red was worn by Malone and others in the official procession. Many of the 300 or so attendees also wore red ties or carnations.

Among them was Gov. John Baldacci and dozens of local lawyers.

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.”

Some lawyers who attended said their faith is integrated into their daily work.

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

Honesty, humility, fairness and an appreciation of a person’s struggles must all be factors.

It’s not just Catholics.

Attorney Jack Clifford, a member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, also attended. Like Raymond, his faith instructs his work.

“It’s not like a coat you put on,” Clifford said. “It has to color everything you do.”

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