An award will be conferred by Bishop Vicente Navarra on the late Regional Trial Court Judge Henry Arles, recognizing his contribution to the promotion of genuine peace based on justice, and on three other Catholic lawyers in the Diocese of Bacolod.

Arles, and former Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas, the late Juan Hagad, will be posthumously conferred the St. Thomas More Award on August 29, during in a mass at the San Sebastian Cathedral.

Also to receive the same award are lawyers Mitchelle Abella and Henrietta Vinco.

In a circular sent to all members of the clergy, parishes, chaplaincies, and other Catholic institutions in the diocese, Navarra said the conferment of the St. Thomas More award to the four lawyers is also in recognition of their “noteworthy contributions for the advancement of authentic Catholic advocacies”.

The award traces its beginnings to 2005 with lawyer Francisco Cruz as the first recipient.

Navarra said the honorees have taken the example of St. Thomas More, who, in following his conscience, died a martyr for the faith, rather than succumb to the threats and enticements of the powerful.

Arles was known for being a fair and honest judge. His colleagues admired him for being a devoted and hard-working member of the judiciary, faithful to the law, his oath, and to the public he served.*NAB

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