By Anthony Richards
Service and truth through faith on the path to justice was a resounding theme during the 35th Annual Red Mass hosted by the Diocese of St. Augustine Catholic Lawyers Guild on Nov. 5 as part of the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope.
Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, served as the celebrant for the Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in downtown Jacksonville, while Bishop Erik Pohlmeier joined him as concelebrant.
“Faith is not a static position, but a dynamic one,” Cardinal Pierre said. “Justice is not merely a human arrangement, but a shining example of God’s light. Every human being without exception bears the image of God.”
According to Cardinal Pierre, continuing to strive for dialogue and creating conversation is key to unlocking God’s truth throughout the world.
“Through dialogue the truth becomes clearer when sewn together, and it builds bridges and heals division,” he said.
However, he also acknowledged that the approach to such dialogue must also be taken into consideration, in terms of its tone and the ability to listen, which are vital in creating true conversation.
“The one who listens already begins to gain a better understanding of what divides us,” Cardinal Pierre said. “Our country, like many throughout the world suffers from polarization, and we must resist the pull to that temptation. Bridges are built when the truth is spoken respectfully, when negotiation replaces accusation, and when the law becomes a language of reconciliation.”
The tradition of the Red Mass celebration dates to the 13th century and is dedicated to the prayer for wisdom and justice of judiciary, legal and law enforcement communities.
“As you return to your daily work, remember who we invoked at Mass, the holy spirit,” he said. “Mercy must be the beating heart of justice, and we must remember that honoring the dignity of every person is charity in the public square.”
As apostolic nuncio, Cardinal Pierre is the one who informed Bishop Pohlmeier to give him the good news that he had been called by God to be ordained a bishop three years ago.
“I’ll always be grateful for that particular moment, the kindness that he has shown, and as I heard his voice over the phone it was very reassuring,” Bishop Pohlmeier said. “He is our representative to the Holy Father and to the work of the United States in connection with the church globally.”
The recipient of this year’s Law and Spirituality Award was Msgr. James Boddie. The executive board of the Catholic Lawyers Guild recognizes an individual each year at the Red Mass who inspires the quest for virtue in both their personal and professional lives.
Monsignor Boddie attended Catholic schools in the Diocese of St. Augustine, starting at St. Pius V for grade school before graduating from Bishop Kenny High School in 1970.
He then became the first African-American to be ordained a Catholic priest in the Diocese of St. Augustine and the State of Florida in 1978.
Over the years, he has served as parochial vicar and then pastor to a number of diocesan parishes, including St. Paul in Jacksonville, St. Catherine of Siena in Orange Park, Sacred Heard in Green Cove Springs, and his childhood parish of St. Pius V. Since 2014, he has served as pastor of Christ the King Catholic Church.
In 2022, he received the papal honors of being named a monsignor in the Diocese of St. Augustine by Pope Francis, and he currently serves as the coordinator of priest personnel in the diocese, the moderator of the Black Catholic Commission, and the spiritual advisor for the diocesan Council of Catholic Women.
“I am very humble and very grateful to be part of this celebration,” Msgr. Boddie said. “May we all continue to show the Lord’s love, mercy and compassion, and let us all as a community work together so that justice continues.”
Photos by Fran Ruchalski
