During a special Thanksgiving Mass coinciding with the Feast of St. Matthew, celebrated today September 21,2024, Bishop Michael Bibi delivered a powerful message to pupil lawyers as part of their induction ceremony to be held next week September 26th 2024, calling on them to uphold justice and truth in their profession.
In his homily, the Bishop began by appreciating the pupil lawyers for putting God first after succeeding their BAR exams, urging them to remain steadfast in their oath and to serve society with honesty, integrity, and a clear conscience.
In what was an honest and soul searching sermon, Bishop Bibi emphasized the common misconception about the legal profession, where some believe that lawyers are simply people who tell lies. Refuting this stereotype, he stressed that true lawyers are those who understand the law and work to ensure that justice prevails.
He reminded those present that lawyers, like St. Matthew—once a tax collector who left everything to follow Jesus—are called to make a difference by serving with the fear of the Lord.
Bishop Bibi delivering homily
“Lawyers are expected to be honest, just, and duty-conscious,” Bishop Bibi said, highlighting that the profession is more about seeking justice than making money. He urged the lawyers to prioritize justice, reassuring them that financial rewards will follow naturally. “Seek justice first, and money will come as a secondary outcome.”
Bishop Bibi also called on the lawyers to remain true to their conscience and not be swayed by external pressures. “You must have the correct conscience to judge what is truly black as black and what is truly white as white,” he declared. “The conscience is the law of the mind, and we must be guided by it. Do not bury the voice of your conscience and do not follow the crowd.”
Pupil lawyers during Mass
The Mass, celebrated on the feast day of St. Matthew, carried a deeper significance, as St. Matthew is remembered for abandoning a life of wealth and comfort to follow Christ. Bishop Bibi urged the lawyers to draw inspiration from St. Matthew’s example, encouraging them to perform their duties with humility and a strong moral compass.
He reminded them that people in society should be able to look up to lawyers for justice whenever they face challenges, adding that lawyers are called to fight for the oppressed and stand for the truth.
Representative of Bar Council President
Finally, the Local ordinary of Buea stressed the importance of divine guidance in their profession, advising the lawyers not to forget to ask God for wisdom and strength as they navigate their legal careers. “To be successful in your profession, work according to the dictates of your conscience and always seek God’s guidance,” he said. “God is the number one lawyer and judge” he added.
During the Mass, the representative of the Bar council president thanked the Bishop of Buea for accepting to officiate the thanksgiving mass at short notice.
