The Count Palatine's Red Mass Message 2023
This message was given by His Most Serene Highness Michael, Count Palatine and Prince Elector of Aspenwald at The Lion & Stallion on the occasion of the first Red Mass of the Empire of Great Hanover, held on the eve of the opening of the first session of the Diet of the Empire of Great Hanover.
As we gather virtually in this space for our inaugural Red Mass, I address you not just as the Count Palatine and Elector of Aspenwald, but as a fellow member of this wonderful global community we share.
In the spirit of this occasion, I wish to illuminate a theme as timeless as it is pertinent - unity.
Look around us. We are a tapestry of cultures, beliefs, and perspectives; each thread contributing to the richness of our collective existence.
Our world is beautifully diverse, filled with myriad cultures, traditions, philosophies, and viewpoints. Each one of us comes from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, each bringing with us our own unique perspectives and experiences.
Yet, amidst this rich tapestry of diversity, we find ourselves united by our shared values - values that uplift human rights, champion the dignity of each individual, and underscore the importance of mutual respect and understanding. We are enriched by our differences yet strengthened by our commonalities. We are united in our commitment to the principles which define our shared spirit. With today's world feeling increasingly divided, I take great comfort in the strength of the friendship and unity that we share.
Embracing diversity requires an openness of heart—a willingness to step outside our comfort zones and learn from one another. It calls for us to dismantle the walls of prejudice and judgment that hinder our progress. But by recognizing the inherent worth and dignity in each human being, regardless of our differences, we forge a path towards unity.
Unity does not mean uniformity. It is not the suppression of individuality nor the erasure of identity. Rather, it is the celebration of our shared humanity, the recognition that our collective strength is amplified by our differences. In unity, we find common ground, not in spite of our diversity, but because of it.
I would like to conclude with a quote that I have always loved from the late Bishop Desmond Tutu:
"My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together."
Michael
Count Palatine and Prince-elector of Aspenwald
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