No one deserves accolades for having a job for a long time. Pascal F. Calogero, who died in New Orleans on Dec. 20, should not be remembered as the longest-serving Louisiana Supreme Court justice. It is true that his longevity on the court and his spirit of public service had a profound impact on the judicial system. But he should be remembered for what he chose to do with his many years in that powerful position and honored for his relentless efforts to change the way our justice system treats the poor.

The timing of his death is fitting; asking us to reflect on his legacy at Christmas – the time the world celebrates the birth into poverty of a man who taught us that whatever we do to the least of those amongst us, we do to God.