Catholic and other Christian lawyers in Adamawa State have been urged to see their profession not only as a means of earning a living but also as an opportunity to serve humanity, especially people who cannot afford legal representation.
The call was made during the celebration of the new legal year by the Catholic Lawyers Association of the Catholic Diocese of Yola at St. Theresa’s Catholic Cathedral, Jimeta-Yola. The event coincided with World Mission Sunday.
The annual Red Mass brought lawyers together to pray for wisdom, strength and divine guidance as they begin another year of professional service.
Delivering the homily, the Chaplain of the Catholic Lawyers Association, Reverend Father Maurice Kwairanga, described the Red Mass as an opportunity for legal practitioners to seek God’s guidance in carrying out their duties.
He noted that the celebration’s coincidence with World Mission Sunday offered a reminder of the importance of serving others, whether through spreading the Gospel or using professional skills to make a difference in people’s lives.
Father Kwairanga urged lawyers to let the teachings of Christ guide their work by treating people fairly, acting with honesty and showing compassion, particularly to those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged.
Reflecting on the challenges facing Nigeria’s judicial system, he observed that lawyers encounter various temptations in the course of their work. He therefore called on God to grant them the wisdom and moral strength to remain faithful to their professional responsibilities.
Earlier, the President of the Catholic Lawyers Association, Yola Diocese, Barrister Shabo Hyacinth, said the annual Red Mass was an opportunity to thank God for His grace and protection over the years and seek His blessings for the new legal year.
Hyacinth urged lawyers across Adamawa State, regardless of their religious affiliations, to practise with humility, uphold professional ethics and carry out their duties with the fear of God.
He emphasised that the responsibility of a lawyer extends beyond the courtroom, noting that the profession also offers an opportunity to stand beside people who may feel helpless when confronted with legal challenges.
The association’s president disclosed that members, under the National Association of Catholic Lawyers, were committed to providing pro bono legal services to indigent and less privileged Nigerians who could not afford to hire lawyers.
He said the initiative was intended to give disadvantaged people a better chance of being heard and help them navigate legal processes that might otherwise be beyond their reach.
For the association, the commitment reflects the human side of the legal profession: using knowledge and experience not only to represent clients but also to help people in difficult circumstances understand their rights and seek the protection of the law.
The celebration ended with a renewed call for lawyers to combine professional excellence with compassion, making service to others an important part of their contribution to society.