October 1, 2018

St. Thomas More Society honors six at annual Red Mass

REGIONAL
Story and photos by Nick Morganelli

SPRINGFIELD – Springfield Bishop Emeritus Timothy A. McDonnell, wearing the traditional red vestments, was the chief celebrant at St. Michael’s Cathedral for the annual Red Mass sponsored by the St. Thomas More Society.

The Mass has a long history within the Catholic Church, dating back to the year 1245, and takes place at the beginning of the new judicial season. The tradition of praying for lawyers, judges and all those in the legal profession, law enforcement, and government, was introduced in 1928 for the first Red Mass in the U.S.  

The award is named after St. Thomas More, a lawyer who stood on principles of justice even against the direction of King Henry VIII, was a patron of the poor, and helped to establish the parliamentary privilege of free speech. He held many positions of leadership in Parliament in London England. Committed to the Tower of London for treason, he died for the principles of justice he lived by.

The St. Thomas More Society of the Springfield Diocese has a committee that nominates and awards a medal of recognition for those with outstanding acts of public service and commitment to justice. This year’s honorees were Msgr. George A. Farland, Judge Ariane D. Vuono, Kathryn Y. Callahan, Sister of St. Joseph Julia M. Sullivan, Atty. Martin J. Dunn, and Atty. Michael J. Moriarity.

Among those in attendance at the Mass and medal ceremony were family and friends, as well as city and state officials. Many past recipients also were in attendance to celebrate the new medal recipients.

Honorees are recognized for different reasons and the committee must decide who is most deserving of the award. Msgr. Farland has been chaplain to the Springfield Police Department for over 40 years. Judge Vuono has had a long career in the public sector including 11 years as an assistant U.S. attorney and an appointment as an associate justice of the Massachusetts Appeals Court by former Gov. Mitt Romney. Kathryn Callahan, serving many years as community outreach coordinator at the Hampshire County Jail and House of Correction, has lead the Parent/Child Program that enables inmates with the blessing of in-person visitation with their children. Sister Sullivan, who joined the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1961, is recognized for her longevity in ministry. She has been a teacher, principal, and more recently has served inmates at the Berkshire County Jail and House of Correction.

Attorney Dunn also has long history in local and state government including legal counsel to the State Senate. Attorney Moriarity changed gears six years ago from practicing law to fulfilling a need for housing in Holyoke. He is now the executive director of OneHolyoke. Their mission includes enabling every Holyoke resident to live in a dignified home and a safe, attractive neighborhood. He also is active as a member of the Holyoke School Committee and member of the State Board of Secondary Education.

Bishop McDonnell gave the local honorees a medal of recognition and blessed them by asking the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen them in their work.

The Mass was followed by a celebratory brunch. The tentative date for next year’s Red Mass is Sunday, Sept. 29.

A video version of this story will be featured on next weekend’s edition of the Springfield Diocese’s weekly newsmagazine, “Real to Reel.”