SANTO DOMINGO.- Monsignor Cecilio Raúl Berzosa Martínez, missionary bishop of the Archdiocese of Santo Domingo, today urged judges to maintain an impartial and independent, strong, honest and committed justice to the citizenry.
“Remember, magistrates and judges, that as servants of the State and of the common good, the first commitment that a State must have is to promote the well-being and happiness of the people, starting with the most fundamental needs,” the priest said.
During the thanksgiving Eucharist, for the commemoration of the Day of the Judiciary, the president of the Supreme Court of Justice (SCJ) and of the Council of the Judiciary, Luis Henry Molina Peña, judges and judges members of the Plenary of that high court, counselors and counselors; as well as judicial officials and special guests, the monsignor urged to build social justice, as advised by Pope Francis.
The first reading was given by magistrate Francisco Ortega Polanco, judge of the Second Chamber of the SCJ, while the Responsorial Psalm and the petitions were pronounced by the counselor Modesto Martínez and the judge of the Superior Land Court, Guillermina Marizán, respectively.
The Red Mass is named for the color of the clothing worn by the celebrants and for the fire, a symbol of the Holy Spirit. This is celebrated since 1953, in different countries of the world, and it is a festivity that is traditionally attended by judges, lawyers, professors and law students who ask for God’s blessing for a good administration of justice.
Wreath
After the Red Mass, the judicial authorities proceeded to deposit a wreath at the Altar de la Patria to conclude the official acts of the Day of the Judiciary.
The president of the SCJ, Luis Henry Molina, was accompanied by the judges who are members of the plenary session of the high court, Francisco Jerez Mena, Nancy Salcedo, Fran Soto, Alejandro Bello Ferreras, Francisco Ortega, María Garabito, Moisés Ferrer Landrón, Samuel Arias Arzeno, Vanesa Peralta, Rafael Vasquez Goico; as well as the directors Modesto Martínez, Bionni Zayas and Octavia Fernández.
In that act, the assistant prosecutor Andrés Chalas Velásquez spoke a few words in which he highlighted the progress in the justice administration system and the challenges that must be faced, including hearing cases promptly.
“Judges and courts, including representatives of the Public Ministry, we have the challenge of streamlining daily work so that cases are heard promptly, always observing due process and effective judicial protection,” explained Chalas Velásquez.
On his side, Rodolfo Valentín, director of the National Public Defense Office, expressed his commitment to collaborate with the Judiciary and the Public Ministry to contribute to the transformations with the new model of justice that society demands.
“The Public Defense reaffirms the commitment not to seem like an obstacle to the Justice System, but rather, together with the Judiciary and the Attorney General’s Office, make possible a model of prompt, affordable, inclusive, restorative justice so that we can make Dominican society a space where the culture of peace prevails”, affirmed the lawyer.
The commemoration of the Day of the Judiciary is carried out in accordance with Law number 327-98 of the Judicial Career.
