by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
Mullaney receives award
It reached its 20th birthday in Jacksonville, but it is a centuries old tradition that brings together elected officials, members of the bar, judiciary, enforcement and administrative branches to seek spiritual guidance for the direction of their offices.
Red Mass is celebrated across the country with one of its major ceremonies occurring in New York City during the fall. In Florida, Red Masses are held in Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Miami and Orlando. Additionally, a Red Mass is held each spring during the legislative session where members of government, the law and the legislature participate. All of the Catholic bishops of the state of Florida participate in the Tallahassee ceremony, as well.
The Diocese of St. Augustine and its Catholic Lawyers Guild continue the tradition in Jacksonville.
Red Mass included the announcement of the winner of the “Law & Spirituality Award” which is awarded by the guild each year. General Counsel Rick Mullaney, who was the first to stand at the pulpit at the Red Mass to read “Acts of the Apostles, Acts 2:1-11,” is this year’s recipient.
Mullaney explained that he had been married in the same church and the award is another fond memory he will have of the church. He thanked the Catholic Lawyers Guild for the award and stated that he couldn’t remember the last time he went to “work” because he loved his job.
“I truly believe a servant’s life is the best life of all,” said Mullaney.
In 1997, the Catholic Lawyers Guild of the Diocese of St. Augustine established “The Law & Spirituality Award” to be presented each year at the Red Mass to an individual who has exemplified his or her work in government, law enforcement or the legal field and at the same time has made spirituality a part of their work, as well as their life. Nominations are due to the executive board by Aug. 1 of each year. The executive board votes on nominees to determine the recipient.
“As members of the Catholic Lawyers Guild, we believe that true success by those in government, law enforcement, and the legal field must include commitment to spirituality and a willingness to share that commitment with others,” said Elizabeth Ondriezek, president of the guild. “To further this belief, it is important that we recognize those members of our community who, through their actions, exemplify the best in the areas of law and spirituality.”
Previous honorees include U.S. District Judge Timothy Corrigan, Sheriff John Rutherford, former Mayor John Delaney and former U.S. District Attorney Paul Perez.
The Red Mass originated in Paris in the 13th century. By the 14th century, the Red Mass had become a traditional custom in England and Italy. The entire bench and bar attended the mass in England and they all wore red robes. This was one explanation of the origin of the name Red Mass. Another belief relating to the development of the name concludes that the color red signifies the willingness to defend truth and justice at the cost of shedding one’s blood.
Recipients of the Law & Spirituality Award
1997 — Fr. Ralph Besendorfer, Guild Chaplain, Vicar for Priests of the Diocese of St. Augustine, Canon Lawyer
1998 — Circuit Judge Virginia Q. Beverly, Retired
1999 — Sheriff Nathaniel Glover
2000 — Circuit Judge J. Brad Stetson, Duval County
2001 — Most Rev. John J. Snyder, Bishop of St. Augustine
2002 — Attorney Sidney S. Simmons II, chair of Bishop’s Advisory Council for National Conference of Catholic Bishops
2003 — U.S. District Judge Middle District of Florida Timothy Corrigan
2004 — Dennis Guidi, Esq. & Gerry Weedon, Esq.
2005 — U.S. Attorney of the Middle District of Florida Paul Perez
2006 — Sheriff John J. Rutherford
2007 — Monsignor Daniel Bernard Logan
2008 — Robert Heekin, Esq.
2009 — Richard Mullaney, General Counsel of the City of Jacksonville
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