Trust in God’s Promises, says Bishop Weisenburger at annual Red Mass

By Carissa Krautscheid

Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger celebrated the annual Red Mass on October 12, 2022, for judges, attorneys, law school professors, and others working in the legal profession. “During the Mass, we pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit for all who seek justice, and we focus on the God-given power and responsibility of all those working in the legal profession,” explained Sr. Lois Paha, Diocesan Director of Pastoral Services.

Each year, the St. Thomas More Society recognizes someone who exemplifies the virtues possessed by St. Thomas More: integrity, courage, scholarship, commitment to the Church, prayerfulness, wit. The recipient should have participated actively in legal or governmental pursuits for a significant period of time, seeking justice and endeavoring to improve society, despite any personal consequences. He or she must have been known for acting ethically, and for seeking justice and the truth.

The 2022 recipient of the St. Thomas More Award was given posthumously to Christopher L. Straub, Esq. who served in the judicial community for almost four decades before his death in 2021. An active Catholic, parishioner of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, and member of the St. Thomas More Society, Christopher served in the Pima County Attorney’s office in the Civil Division. Christopher dedicated his professional life to public service. He was always eager to grow in faith and spirituality. Christopher was a friend to many and will be remembered for his integrity, kindness, dedication, scholarship, and spirituality. The award was accepted by Christopher’s wife of 37 years, Debbie. Read more about Christopher here.


In 2011, the St. Thomas More Society established the Honorable John Roll Scholarship Endowment with the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Tucson. This endowment is used to grant scholarships to University of Arizona Law students who have demonstrated the virtues lived by Chief U.S. District Court Judge John Roll, who died tragically after the shooting on January 8, 2011. He embodied the virtues of commitment to the Church, scholarship, integrity, and courage during his life. This year’s two recipients of the Judge John Roll Scholarship were Jasmin Meza and Eilen Castellano Tatis.


In his homily, Bishop Weisenburger celebrated the noble calling of law, politics, and law enforcement, and prayed for the work and safety of these professionals.

“We live in challenging times,” he said, “but I sense this fragile world is still in God’s hands, and that we have honest and authentic reasons for realistic hope. For me, that hope flows from the promises found in the Word of God.” The first reading at the Red Mass came from Isaiah and describes new life springing forth from a dead tree stump. 

“But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom.” - Isaiah 11:1

“What matters,” continued Bishop Weisenburger, “is that, because of the promises of our God, we can never believe that it’s over. In every age and every era, we men and women of faith are the ones who put our shoulder to the task and life springs forth from the stump every day.

“In law enforcement, we have seen women and men lose their lives to keep so many safe. We’ve seen the witness of those who will step directly into the path of danger to ensure the stability of our world. And in the world of politics, despite the rancor and division that exists, I have known many who are committed to enshrining the values that protect life and liberty for all persons. These are the factors that give me hope."

The Prophet Isaiah was “one man with eyes of faith who saw beyond the crises and sufferings of the day – to a different kind of world, a world inspired by God, and brought about through the Spirit-inspired efforts of people who allowed God to work through them."

“In your weaker moments, don’t believe for a moment that the only thing left is a stump. Trust in God’s promises and trust in God’s ability to refresh and renew your own reserves of energy and purpose. New life will spring forth from what appears to be nothing more than a stump. And together, we will build the Kingdom of God.”
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