By Marlene Quaroni - Florida Catholic
Photographer: MARLENE QUARONI| FC
Chief U.S. Magistrate Peter R. Palermo walks between Knights of Columbus color guard during the April 28 Red Mass at Gesu Church. Behind him is Chief Judge Federico R. Moreno, both of the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, and Federal Judge John O'Sullivan
MIAMI — County Court Judge Gladys Perez sat in the first row of pews at Gesu Church. Along with other judges in the first row, she wore her black robe as she took part in the annual Red Mass for Catholic members of the legal profession, held April 28 at the downtown Miami church.
“For the legal community, today, I think it’s essential to have faith as part of your personal life,” said Perez, 39. “It helps you deal with tough issues that come before you, such as domestic violence and evictions, especially in the current economic environment.”
Perez, a Nova Southeastern University graduate, served as assistant general counsel to both Florida governors, Jeb Bush and Charlie Crist. She also served as assistant attorney general for Florida and senior staff attorney in the Fourth District Court of Appeals.
Recently, Perez, who speaks English, Spanish and French, used her legal expertise in a program run by the Salesian sisters called VIDES — Volunteers In Development Education Solidarity.
“I took a year off to work in the program, in Geneva, Switzerland,” she said. “I worked on human rights issues. I helped represent the Salesians before the United Nations. This was something I always wanted to do.”
Msgr. Andrew Anderson, chaplain of the Miami Catholic Lawyers Guild and judicial vicar for the archdiocese, was the keynote speaker at the Mass. He told those present to raise their eyes each day to God and ask how they can lead a good life.
“We need jurists who are gifted with understanding and love,” he said, wearing red vestments that signify the fire of the Holy Spirit. Legal professionals ask the Spirit for wisdom at the Red Mass, a tradition that dates back to the 13th century. Participants also held pamphlets with an image of St. Thomas More, patron saint of the legal profession.
“We know that human law is not a substitute for the sermon on the mount. However, we pray that God’s ways be done on Earth,” Msgr. Anderson said.
Archbishop John C. Favalora, who concelebrated the Mass, called the job of legal professionals “daunting”.
“You see what you’re dealing with every day from the headlines in the news,” he said. “You must take time from your busy day to pray. Prayer is a conversation with God. You must listen to God’s response to the perplexing problems of our society. Judges, before you rule, say ‘Come Holy Spirit, guide me’.”
Photographer: MARLENE QUARONI| FC
Judge Federico A. Moreno, right, chief judge of the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, receives the "Lex Christi, Lex Amoris" award from Chief U.S. Magistrate Peter R. Palermo during a reception following the Red Mass. At left is attorney Jose I. Rojas, president of the Miami Catholic Lawyers Guild.
Judge Palermo, last year’s recipient, jokingly told the award committee that they got the award right this time. He praised Judge Moreno’s humility.
“It’s amazing what a person can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit,” said Judge Palermo. “Fred has an all-Catholic, all-American family. When I think of you, I think of your family.”
Judge Moreno noted some of the issues going on in the Catholic Church.
“The Church is going through a crisis,” he said. “I think we’ll come through it because of the lay people, whether you’re a lawyer or not. We’ll become a stronger and more pure Church.”
The mission of the Catholic Lawyers Guild is to foster spiritual growth and fellowship among Catholic legal professionals, enhance appreciation for and observance of high ethical standards in the practice of law, and encourage attentiveness to justice, mercy and faith while promoting human dignity and the common good, for the glory of God.
Guild members take part in monthly Masses, lunch meetings and Bible study.
