Rev Mamza urged Catholic Lawyers to Pursue Justice with Compassion, Inclusion
The Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese, Most Rev. Stephen Dami Mamza, has urged Catholic lawyers, judges, and judicial workers to embrace fairness, compassion, peace, and the fear of God in the discharge of their duties. He gave the charge during the annual Mass marking the new legal year, held at St. Theresa’s Cathedral, Jimeta.
In his homily, Bishop Mamza reminded legal practitioners that their vocation extends beyond the courtroom and their chambers to their conscience and their Creator. Drawing from the Gospel of Luke 16:19–30, which narrates the story of the rich man and Lazarus, the bishop noted that while the rich often command recognition in society, the Gospel elevates the dignity of the poor. He called on lawyers and judges to defend the voiceless and ensure that justice serves as a tool for restoration rather than a mere pursuit of legal victory.
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“This Mass is not a ceremony,” Bishop Mamza emphasized, “but a prayerful moment for you to seek divine mercy and guidance in your work. As legal professionals, you need wisdom like Solomon to dispense justice with mercy, especially when dealing with the most vulnerable in society.”
The bishop also urged Catholic lawyers to always encourage reconciliation, stressing that the profession demands courage, compassion, and a deep reverence for God. “Justice,” he said, “must not be treated as a commercial venture, but as a sacred duty that restores dignity and peace.”
Speaking to journalists after the Mass, the President of the National Association of Catholic Lawyers, Adamawa State Chapter, Hycenth Terso, described the celebration as significant. He explained that the annual Mass, known as the “Red Mass,” provides Catholic lawyers and members of the judiciary an opportunity to seek divine guidance for the new legal year.
In a related development, Bishop Mamza also joined the deaf community in marking this year’s World Deaf Day with a special Mass at St. Theresa’s Cathedral. The event drew Catholic and non-Catholic members of the deaf community from across Adamawa State.
During the celebration, the bishop called for greater inclusion and recognition of people living with disabilities in both church and government affairs. He lamented that for too long, such individuals have been marginalized, stressing that it was time society granted them equal rights and opportunities.
“The Deaf Month is not just a period of commemoration,” Bishop Mamza said, “but a sacred opportunity to uplift and honour the deaf community through prayer, fellowship, and advocacy. We must work to ensure accessibility in every sphere of life for people living with disabilities in Adamawa and in Nigeria at large.”
A highlight of the celebration was the use of sign language interpretation throughout the Mass, which enabled the deaf faithful to participate fully in the liturgy. The bishop praised the effort, saying it was a model of inclusivity that should be sustained in all public and religious functions.
