Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Red Mass

The Red Mass is a solemn celebrated annually for members of the , including judges, lawyers, and court officials, to invoke the guidance of the in the pursuit of . Its name derives from the red vestments worn by the , symbolizing the fire of the and the blood of martyrs, as well as the scarlet robes historically worn by English judges attending the rite. Originating in during the 13th century, the tradition began with a Mass celebrated by around 1245 for the advocates of the Sacred Roman Rota, the Church's highest ecclesiastical court, marking the opening of the judicial term. The practice spread to cities like and , and by 1310, it was established in under Edward I at , where it welcomed justices robed in scarlet. In the United States, the first Red Mass occurred on October 6, 1928, at St. Andrew's Church in , sponsored by the Guild of Catholic Lawyers, and has since become a widespread custom across major cities, often held at the start of the judicial year or Supreme Court term. The rite emphasizes virtues such as , understanding, , fortitude, , , and fear of the Lord, drawing from the Holy Spirit's gifts to support impartial and ethical legal practice. Open to participants of all faiths, it underscores a historical of religious with civic , fostering a of prayerful amid the complexities of .

Definition and Significance

Liturgical Features

The Red Mass is structured as a Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit according to the Roman Missal, employing the specific propers for invoking divine guidance and wisdom. Clergy, deacons, and servers don red vestments, the liturgical color prescribed for Masses honoring the Holy Spirit, symbolizing the tongues of fire at Pentecost and the blood of martyrs, which underscores themes of fervor, truth, and sacrifice relevant to legal practitioners. Key elements include the Collect and other prayers from the Votive Mass, beseeching the Holy Spirit's gifts of counsel, fortitude, and understanding, often with intercessions tailored for judges, lawyers, and public officials seeking prudence in administering justice. The liturgy frequently features the hymn Veni Creator Spiritus, recited or sung at the opening or conclusion to call upon the Spirit's creative power, or the Pentecost sequence Veni Sancte Spiritus, emphasizing outpouring of divine light and consolation. These chants highlight the Mass's focus on spiritual enlightenment amid earthly deliberations. The rite follows the Ordinary Form or, in traditional settings, the Extraordinary Form of the , with solemn processions and incense enhancing the ceremonial gravity; no unique canonical alterations exist beyond the votive propers and color, preserving the Mass's universality while adapting its intent to the judiciary's .

Theological and Symbolic Purpose

The Red Mass serves as a dedicated to the , primarily invoking divine guidance for members of the , , and those involved in the . This liturgical rite seeks the seven gifts of the —wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord—as enumerated in :2-3, to equip participants with and moral fortitude in their pursuit of truth and under . The ceremony underscores the theological conviction that human justice derives its ultimate authority from divine justice, positioning civil legal endeavors as subordinate to eternal moral principles rooted in and . The red vestments worn by the clergy hold layered symbolic significance, representing the tongues of fire that descended upon the Apostles at Pentecost, as described in Acts 2:3, emblematic of the Holy Spirit's transformative power and zeal. Red also evokes the blood of martyrs, signifying sacrificial commitment to truth and the courage required in legal advocacy, akin to the fortitude of saints like Thomas More, patron of lawyers, who faced execution for upholding conscience against unjust authority. Theologically, this color further denotes the burning fire of divine love, emphasizing the Holy Spirit as the animating force that infuses legal work with charity and righteousness, countering potential distortions from human frailty or institutional pressures. In essence, the Red Mass ritually reaffirms the causal link between spiritual endowment and just governance, positing that effective demands supernatural aid to navigate complexities of , , and ethical dilemmas, rather than relying solely on secular . This purpose aligns with broader Catholic sacramental theology, wherein the mediates to temporal spheres, fostering a between and reason in the service of the .

Historical Development

Medieval Origins in Europe

The Red Mass originated in 13th-century France as a Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit, offered specifically for members of the legal profession to invoke divine wisdom at the commencement of the judicial year. The earliest documented instance occurred in 1245 at the Cathedral of Paris (Notre-Dame), where red vestments were worn to symbolize the fire of the Holy Spirit, drawing from Pentecost liturgical traditions. This practice aligned with the medieval development of formalized legal education and guilds, particularly amid the growth of canon and civil law studies in emerging universities, where jurists sought spiritual guidance for applying reason to complex disputes. From , the tradition rapidly disseminated across , becoming a standard rite for inaugurating court sessions in regions with active legal institutions. In , it was annually observed at sites like the , constructed around 1248 by King for royal and judicial purposes, underscoring the intertwining of , , and . By the early , it reached circa 1310 under King , where it marked the opening of the legal term for barristers and judges, reflecting the influence of French ecclesiastical customs on insular legal piety. The rite's expansion facilitated by , such as the , who propagated similar devotional Masses, ensured its embedding in the liturgical calendars of , Louvain, and other centers of medieval legal scholarship by the late . This medieval foundation emphasized the Mass's role in affirming the moral and intellectual demands of justice, with participants—robed in red to denote both spiritual fervor and professional dignity—processing to the altar for the blessing of legal endeavors. Unlike broader Pentecost celebrations, the Red Mass's specificity to jurists highlighted a causal link between divine grace and rational adjudication, a principle rooted in scholastic theology's synthesis of faith and reason during the era's intellectual revival. By the 15th century, its observance had solidified in continental Europe, predating the Renaissance and persisting as a counterpoint to emerging secular legal theories.

Early Modern Expansion

During the , the Red Mass persisted as a key in Catholic judicial institutions, particularly in , where it marked the annual reopening of the Parlement de Paris after St. Martin’s Day on November 11. Celebrated in the Grande Salle of the Palais with a high sung by the of , the event featured magistrates in red robes denoting authority, tapestries, processions, and subsequent speeches in the Grand’Chambre, reinforcing the fusion of religious invocation and legal proceedings. The French tradition influenced , with the Red Mass exported to the Parlement of in during the 18th century. The inaugural instance there occurred on November 13, 1788, in the Hôtel de Craon, emulating Parisian solemnity through a sung officiated by the of , red-robed participants, and fleurs-de-lys tapestries, tied to the court's reestablishment as a sovereign body in 1775. In , a specialized form of the Red Mass emerged in the 1400s to inaugurate the judicial year of the Sacred Roman Rota, the Catholic Church's highest appellate court for , invoking divine guidance for ecclesiastical judgments and linking the rite to legal administration. In contrast, the practice waned in Protestant regions; in , where it had been observed since around 1310 at for the opening of court terms, the Red Mass ceased during the due to the prohibition of Catholic ceremonies, remaining dormant until its in 1891.

20th-Century Revival and Institutionalization

The Red Mass underwent a significant in the United States in the early , with its inaugural American celebration occurring on October 6, 1928, at Old St. Andrew's Church in , presided over by Cardinal Patrick Hayes and organized by the Catholic Lawyers Guild. This event reintroduced the medieval European liturgy to the , emphasizing invocation of the for wisdom in legal proceedings amid growing Catholic professional networks. Prior isolated instances, such as a possible 1877 Mass in , lacked the sustained organizational momentum that followed the 1928 New York liturgy. Institutionalization accelerated through dedicated Catholic legal societies, which established annual Red Masses in major cities to integrate faith with . In , the John Carroll Society sponsored the city's first Red Mass on February 15, 1953, at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, drawing early attendance from federal judges and attorneys. Similar patterns emerged elsewhere, including the University of Notre Dame's inaugural Red Mass on May 29, 1955, in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, reflecting broader adoption by law schools and bar associations. By the , over a dozen U.S. cities hosted regular observances, often timed to coincide with judicial terms, such as the Sunday before the U.S. Supreme Court's October session. This period's growth intertwined with Catholic responses to secular legal culture, as guilds like the St. Thomas More Society formalized the rite to affirm ethical foundations drawn from traditions, countering perceived in modern . Attendance by justices, beginning notably in the 1950s, underscored institutional legitimacy, though participation varied by individual adherence to Catholic doctrine rather than official endorsement. In , where the practice originated, 20th-century continuity rather than revival predominated, with Westminster Abbey maintaining annual Masses since the 14th century, albeit with diminished prominence amid post-World War II secular shifts.

Modern Practice

Observance in the United States

The Red Mass was first celebrated in the United States on October 6, 1928, at Old St. Andrew's Church in New York City, organized by local Catholic lawyers seeking divine guidance for the legal profession. This inaugural event marked the introduction of the European tradition to American soil, initially limited to Catholic practitioners but soon expanding to include lawyers of various faiths. The practice rapidly spread to other major cities, with annual observances established in locations such as during World War II and various dioceses nationwide by the mid-20th century. In , the first Red Mass occurred on February 15, 1953, at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, under the auspices of then-Archbishop Patrick O'Boyle. Today, Red Masses are held in numerous U.S. cities, often coordinated by Catholic legal societies like the St. Thomas More Society or local bar associations, typically in the fall to coincide with the start of judicial terms. In the nation's capital, the event holds particular prominence, sponsored annually by the John Carroll Society and conducted at St. Matthew's Cathedral on the Sunday preceding the 's opening session, which begins the first Monday in . Historically attended by justices, federal judges, and other legal dignitaries, the 2025 observance—the 73rd annual—proceeded without justices present due to heightened security concerns amid recent threats. These gatherings emphasize prayers for wisdom and justice in , reflecting the Mass's core purpose while adapting to contemporary challenges in attendance and venue security.

Observance in Europe

The Red Mass tradition originated in medieval , with the earliest recorded instance occurring in 1245 at the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in , where it marked the opening of the judicial year and was attended by members of the seeking divine guidance. From , the practice disseminated across the continent, becoming a customary observance in various jurisdictions to invoke the Holy Spirit's wisdom for judges, lawyers, and court officials at the commencement of legal terms. In , the Red Mass emerged around 1310 during the reign of Edward I, initially celebrated at to inaugurate the , with attendance by royal judges in their scarlet robes—a detail that contributed to the rite's . This English variant persisted for centuries, reflecting the intertwined roles of ecclesiastical and traditions, and by the , similar Masses were documented in Ireland and other regions influenced by Catholic legal customs. Contemporary observance in Europe remains sporadic and tied to Catholic strongholds, contrasting with more widespread institutionalization elsewhere. In the United Kingdom, the Red Mass continues annually to signal the legal year's start; for instance, on October 1, 2025, Cardinal Vincent Nichols presided over the rite in the Diocese of Westminster, emphasizing its 800-year historical continuity in marking judicial proceedings with prayer. In Ireland, it similarly denotes the legal term's onset, as seen in Dublin ceremonies blending religious liturgy with professional solemnity. On the Continent, secular policies have curtailed prominence; in France, while rooted in the 1245 Parisian precedent, the 1906 governmental critique of the Paris bar's participation underscored tensions with laïcité, rendering modern iterations rare and unofficial. Overall, European Red Masses prioritize invocatory symbolism over large-scale attendance, often confined to ecclesiastical venues without the civic processions or ecumenical breadth observed in other locales.

Observance in Other Regions

In , the Red Mass has been observed since 1896, with the first celebration held in , followed by establishments in other cities such as in the mid-1920s. Annual events continue in major dioceses, including at St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica on September 4, 2025; at Holy Rosary Cathedral on October 30, 2025; at Notre-Dame Basilica's Chapelle du Sacré-Coeur on September 5, 2024; and at St. Mary's Cathedral on November 6, 2024, with the latter re-instituted in 2015. These Masses invoke the Holy Spirit's guidance for legal professionals at the start of the judicial year. In , the tradition dates to 1931 with the inaugural Red Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral in , where it has been held annually since. Observances occur across dioceses, such as Melbourne's event at St. Patrick's Cathedral on January 28, 2025, attended by over 200 legal professionals; Parramatta's on February 3, 2025; and 's on January 29, 2024. The rite emphasizes divine wisdom in justice, drawing lawyers, judges, and law students. In , Red Masses are celebrated in countries with significant Catholic legal communities, including the Philippines, , and . In the Philippines, institutions like held a Red Mass on August 8, 2025, for judges, lawyers, and law students, while College of Law observed one on May 21, 2025. Malaysia's Catholic Lawyers' Society in marked its 30th Red Mass in January 2024, commemorating the judicial year's opening since the mid-1990s. Singapore's Catholic Lawyers' Guild held its annual event on January 12, 2024, at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul. These gatherings adapt the medieval rite to local contexts, focusing on the Holy Spirit's role in legal discernment.

Controversies and Criticisms

Secular and Political Objections

Secular objections to the Red Mass primarily revolve around its potential to erode the by involving public officials, such as judges and attorneys, in a religious that invokes divine wisdom for secular legal functions. Critics contend that attendance by judicial figures signals an endorsement of Catholic doctrine in public governance, potentially compromising the of the in a pluralistic society. A 2009 analysis described the event as fostering an "unhealthy mix of , the and religion," portraying it as more than a benign prayer service but a venue where influence intersects with governmental authority. Judicial ethics opinions have amplified these concerns, emphasizing appearances of impropriety. In 1998, the Judicial Conduct Advisory Committee ruled that judges should not wear official robes to the Red Mass or similar religious services, citing the risk of implying undue deference to religious institutions over neutral application of . Similarly, a 2024 advisory from the American Judges Association cautioned against robed participation, arguing it could suggest institutional bias toward Catholicism in judicial proceedings. Legal scholars have noted that such rituals highlight tensions between personal faith and public duty, potentially alienating non-Catholic citizens and undermining trust in secular institutions. Politically, the Red Mass has drawn fire from progressive and secular advocacy groups for enabling perceived Catholic hierarchical sway over policy areas like and . , a reproductive rights organization, labeled the 2023 Supreme Court Red Mass an instance of "religious overreach" by bishops into , arguing it prioritizes doctrinal conformity over constitutional pluralism. In Australia, survivors of clerical protested the 2019 Red Mass in multiple cities, decrying it as a symbol of insufficient church-state separation that shields institutional accountability. These critiques often frame the event within broader narratives of conservative religious influence on , though attendance remains voluntary and does not dictate rulings.

Security and Contemporary Challenges

In October 2025, heightened security measures disrupted the annual Red Mass at the of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C., when U.S. justices declined to attend following the arrest of Louis Geri, a 41-year-old man from , outside the venue hours before the event. Authorities discovered over 200 homemade explosive devices, a , and a tent on church property during a sweep prompted by reports of suspicious activity. Geri faced federal charges including possession of destructive devices and was held without bond; court records indicated he had camped nearby for days, and a recovered from him expressed explicit hostility toward Catholics, , and other groups. This incident exemplifies escalating physical threats to Red Mass gatherings, which often attract prominent jurists, attorneys, and policymakers, amplifying their visibility as targets amid broader . Since May 2020, at least 404 documented attacks on Catholic churches have occurred across 43 states and the District of Columbia, encompassing , , and , often linked to ideological opposition to church teachings on issues like following the 2022 Dobbs decision. Religious leaders have reported a pervasive sense of vigilance, with synagogues, mosques, and churches implementing enhanced protocols such as armed guards and in response to a documented surge in deadly assaults. Protests represent another persistent challenge, frequently driven by secular or progressive activists decrying the church's influence on legal professionals. In January 2020, demonstrators gathered outside St. Patrick's Cathedral in , , during the Red Mass, arguing the event perpetuated institutional power structures incompatible with modern pluralism, though organizers defended it as a voluntary for invoking ethical guidance in . Such disruptions underscore tensions between the Mass's historical role in fostering and contemporary critiques framing it as an anachronistic blend of and functions, particularly in polarized climates where Catholic moral positions clash with prevailing cultural norms. These security imperatives have compelled organizers to balance accessibility with risk mitigation, including pre-event screenings and coordination, without diminishing the event's ceremonial core.

Cultural and Institutional Impact

Influence on Legal Ethics and Professional Identity

The Red Mass traditionally invokes the gifts of the Holy Spirit—such as wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord—to guide legal professionals in their ethical duties, emphasizing virtues essential for discerning and administering justice in alignment with natural law principles rather than solely procedural or relativistic frameworks. This practice, dating to the early 14th century in Europe and revived in the United States from 1928 onward, historically shaped Catholic lawyering by promoting a vision where attorneys and judges serve as moral agents subordinate to divine order, critiquing secular legal realism's focus on pragmatic outcomes over enduring moral truths. For instance, mid-20th-century sermons at Red Masses, such as William J. Kenealy's 1941 address, urged lawyers to prioritize "laws of nature" derived from Thomistic ethics, influencing professional conduct amid debates on discrimination and civil rights. In terms of professional , the Red Mass fosters an of and , encouraging participants—regardless of personal religious affiliation—to reflect on as a calling to uphold human dignity and the , often contrasting with modern "role morality" in that compartmentalizes personal beliefs from professional obligations. Homilies at events, like that delivered by Father Jonathan DeFelice in 2011, explicitly call on legal communities to embrace by acting according to informed in public discourse on , even when countercultural, thereby reinforcing a sense of to combat through rooted in absolute moral standards. Catholic bar associations sponsoring these Masses, such as those linked to St. societies, use the occasion to cultivate this identity, viewing lawyers as "architects of " who bridge , reason, and legal practice to serve beyond mere client . Though its influence has waned in increasingly secular since the mid-20th century, the Red Mass persists as an annual ritual prompting self-examination among Catholic jurists, with attendance by figures like U.S. justices underscoring its role in sustaining a where derive from transcendent sources, potentially countering institutional biases toward amoral proceduralism in contemporary . This enduring appeal lies in its reminder that true legal wisdom requires humility before higher authority, as evidenced by ongoing sponsorships in over 20 U.S. cities and reflections from communities on faith-informed service.

Role in Broader Catholic-Judaic Traditions

The Red Mass, as a Catholic liturgical invoking the Holy Spirit's guidance for the , embodies a continuity with understandings of law as originating from divine revelation rather than mere human convention. Catholic posits that civil justice must subordinate itself to eternal , a principle rooted in the Old Testament's portrayal of as God's covenantal gift to , emphasizing justice, mercy, and wisdom in governance. This heritage underscores the Mass's symbolism, where participants seek the virtues of and right judgment, echoing the biblical mandate for rulers to administer law in obedience to God's commands, as seen in the Decalogue and prophetic calls for equitable adjudication. Homilies delivered at Red Masses frequently reference Mosaic law and Torah observance to frame contemporary legal practice within this tradition, portraying Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish legal precepts while critiquing legalistic interpretations divorced from love and covenant fidelity. For instance, speakers highlight how the Pharisees' scrupulous adherence to Jewish law prefigures the need for Spirit-led discernment in modern jurisprudence, urging lawyers to transcend proceduralism toward substantive justice aligned with biblical norms. Bishop Robert Barron, in a 2017 Red Mass address, described the not as burdensome legalism but as an expression of relational , connecting it to the Christian of lawyers who must interpret in light of natural and divine orders derived from scriptural foundations. A prominent motif is the pursuit of Solomonic wisdom, drawn from 1 Kings 3:9, where King prays for a "listening heart" to discern good from evil in judgment—a plea mirrored in the Red Mass's Votive prayers for gifts of understanding and fortitude. This archetype reinforces the rite's role in reminding legal professionals that true authority stems from divine insight, countering secular by affirming precedents where serves the under God's . Such invocations highlight Catholicism's of Jewish reverence for as sacred, adapting it through Pentecost's outpouring to empower equitable administration amid civil duties.

References

  1. [1]
    The History and Tradition of the Red Mass | News | The Law School
    Oct 5, 2023 · The Red Mass is a special devotion to the Holy Spirit and a prayer for the virtues of wisdom, understanding, counsel, patience, energy, and courage.
  2. [2]
    Red Mass - The John Carroll Society
    Liturgically, the Red Mass is celebrated as the Solemn Mass of the Holy Spirit. Its name derives from the traditional red color of the vestments worn by clergy ...
  3. [3]
    Red Mass - Catholic Bar Association
    It received its name from the fact that the celebrant was vested in red and the Lord High justices were robed in scarlet. They were joined by the university ...
  4. [4]
    The Red Mass: Historic tradition dating back to 13th century ...
    Nov 4, 2021 · The name for the Masses comes from the red vestments worn by the celebrants, and for the calling of grace and guidance from the Holy Spirit to ...
  5. [5]
    https://cathstan.org/the-red-mass
  6. [6]
    History of the Red Mass
    The English tradition of the Red Mass began, as far as can be ascertained, about the year 1310, during the reign of Edward I. The custom was revived in London ...<|separator|>
  7. [7]
    The Red Mass and the Vestiges of Catholic Lawyering - First Things
    Oct 2, 2025 · The first American Red Mass was celebrated in New York in 1928, and soon thereafter, Catholic lawyers began organizing Red Masses across the ...
  8. [8]
    A Sacred Call to Justice: Inside Seton Hall Law's Red Mass Tradition
    Aug 26, 2025 · Named after the red vestments worn by celebrants and the scarlet robes of judges, the ceremony inspires justice and integrity within the ...Missing: significance | Show results with:significance
  9. [9]
    Red Mass - Austin, TX
    Liturgical red is proper for a votive Mass of the Holy Spirit and symbolizes a willingness to defend the truth. In the United States today, a Red Mass is ...Missing: details | Show results with:details
  10. [10]
    Red Mass | Portland Peninsula & Island Parishes
    The Red Mass is a Solemn Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit. The name is derived from the red vestments worn by the celebrants of the Mass. Those vestments ...Missing: details | Show results with:details
  11. [11]
    Red Mass tradition continues in diocese - The Catholic Times
    Oct 15, 2024 · The Red Mass is so called because of the color of the vestments. Red is a liturgical color associated with the Holy Spirit and martyrdom.
  12. [12]
    Red Mass homily from Father Joseph W. McQuaide IV - The Dialog
    Oct 3, 2022 · The red vestments are meant to remind us of the tongues of fire ... pray at this Red Mass. Increase Our Faith. Like the apostles in our ...
  13. [13]
    Red Mass calls lawyers to pray for guidance of the Holy Spirit
    Sep 12, 2024 · The tradition spread and now Red Masses – so called because the clergy wear red vestments for the liturgy, a votive Mass of the Holy Spirit ...<|separator|>
  14. [14]
    [PDF] Red Mass - Villanova University
    Sep 30, 2022 · All: May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his holy Church.Missing: features | Show results with:features
  15. [15]
    Cardinal's Homily for the Red Mass 2025 - Diocese of Westminster
    Oct 1, 2025 · These are words that encapsulate our prayer at this Red Mass, so named because it is a votive Mass of the Holy Spirit, at which red vestments ...Missing: details | Show results with:details<|separator|>
  16. [16]
    Red Mass - Diocese of Stockton
    Are we looking for you? Traditional Red Mass Information · Red Mass Invitation ... votive Mass of the Holy Spirit. The Red Mass historically marked the ...Missing: details | Show results with:details
  17. [17]
    Red Mass invokes gifts of the Holy Spirit - Today's Catholic
    Oct 12, 2017 · Its focus is on the leadership roles of those present and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, i.e., wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, ...Missing: theological | Show results with:theological<|separator|>
  18. [18]
    The Tradition of the Red Mass - Tipton, IN - St. Joseph Retreat Center
    Jul 8, 2019 · A Red Mass invocates the Holy Spirit as a source of wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude and strength for attorneys and government ...Missing: symbolism | Show results with:symbolism
  19. [19]
    The Red Mass: Origins and History | Diocese of Montreal
    Aug 22, 2023 · The Red Mass, traditionally celebrated every year, is a solemn Mass marking the opening of the judicial year and welcoming all members of the legal profession.
  20. [20]
    The Color of Liturgical Vestments - EWTN
    On the other hand, red also signifies the burning fire of God's love. For this reason, red vestments are won on Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended on ...
  21. [21]
    What is Red Mass? - Saint Thomas More Society of Central PA
    In modern times, the Mass's celebrants wear red because it is a traditional symbol of the Holy Spirit.
  22. [22]
    The hidden meaning behind red vestments on Pentecost - Aleteia
    May 18, 2024 · Red is a warmer and stronger color than white. It glows like fire and signifies heavenly love. The Holy Spirit is Divine Love.
  23. [23]
    The Color Red - Catholic Journal
    May 23, 2024 · Red in the Church symbolizes blood, the Holy Spirit, and can represent both danger and courage, strength, and Divine Love.<|control11|><|separator|>
  24. [24]
    The Red Mass - Catholic Standard
    Oct 1, 2021 · The tradition of the Red Mass is one that stretches back to the Medieval period. It traditionally marked the beginning of the judicial year of the sacred Roman ...
  25. [25]
    [PDF] The Red Mass Why it Matters
    The Red Mass and the Roman Rota The Red Mass has traditionally been closely associated with the Sacred Roman Rota, which is the supreme judicial body of the ...<|separator|>
  26. [26]
    The History of the Red Mass
    The “Red Mass” is an historical tradition within the Catholic Church dating back to the Thirteenth Century when it officially opened the term of the court ...
  27. [27]
    [PDF] Les messes rouges: une tradition judiciaire française exportée en ...
    Jul 4, 2019 · La messe rouge est marquée comme solennelle : elle est chantée, et la qualité de celui qui officie et que l'on invite officiellement ...
  28. [28]
    Red Mass - Archdiocese of New York
    Feb 14, 2008 · I the 1400s, a variation on the “Red Mass” was introduced in Rome for the opening of the judicial year of what was then called “The Sacred Roman ...
  29. [29]
    Lawyers and judges gather for Red Mass - Diocese of Westminster
    Oct 3, 2019 · The custom was halted during the Reformation and was not revived until 1891, when it was celebrated at the Sardinian Chapel, now the Parish ...Missing: England | Show results with:England
  30. [30]
    The annual Red Mass will take place on Tuesday, Oct 11 at 6:15pm ...
    Oct 5, 2022 · “In the United States, the first Red Mass was held in 1877 at Saints Peter and Paul Church Detroit, Michigan, by Detroit College, as the ...
  31. [31]
    History of Red Mass - St. Thomas More Society - Dallas, Texas
    The first recorded Red Mass was celebrated in Paris in 1245. In France, the inauguration of the judicial year was celebrated annually at the famous Sainte- ...<|separator|>
  32. [32]
    https://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/10/01/dc.red.mass/
  33. [33]
    Red Mass - St. Thomas More Society of Atlanta
    The first recorded Red Mass celebration in the United States was in 1928 at St. Andrew's Church in New York City. Since then, The Red Mass has been celebrated ...
  34. [34]
    Red Mass 2025 - Lafayette Bar Association
    The first Red Mass in America was at old St. Andrew's Church in New York City on October 6, 1928. The custom has spread to other cities, and not only Catholic, ...
  35. [35]
    Opening of Supreme Court Term to be Marked with Red Mass on ...
    Sep 24, 2025 · September 24, 2025. Opening of Supreme Court Term to be Marked with Red Mass on October 5. Annual Event Asks God's Guidance for Courts, ...
  36. [36]
    73rd Annual Red Mass - St. Matthew's Cathedral
    Oct 5, 2025 · The 73rd Annual Red Mass, sponsored by the John Carroll Society, will be held at the Cathedral on Sunday, October 5, 2025 at 9am.
  37. [37]
    Supreme Court justices do not attend annual Red Mass due to ...
    Oct 6, 2025 · Due to security concerns, no Supreme Court justices attended this year's Red Mass Oct. 5 at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in ...
  38. [38]
    73rd Annual Red Mass | Video | C-SPAN.org
    Oct 5, 2025 · ... Red Mass liturgy prior to the opening of the Supreme Court's term, which calls for God's blessings and guidance on those responsible for ...
  39. [39]
    What is the history of the Red Mass? - Facebook
    Feb 7, 2024 · “The Red Mass is so-called from the red vestments traditionally worn in symbolism of the tongues of fire (the Holy Spirit) that descended on the ...What is the significance of red vestments at a pope's funeral mass?Why do priests wear Red at Mass? In the Catholic Church, the color ...More results from www.facebook.comMissing: features | Show results with:features
  40. [40]
    Red Mass marks the start of legal term with a dash of religious tradition
    Oct 4, 2016 · The first recorded Red Mass was celebrated in Paris in 1245 and spread from there to most European countries and further afield.
  41. [41]
    Red Mass - Assumption University
    The first Red Mass in Canada was celebrated in 1896 in Quebec City. Shortly thereafter, Red Masses were celebrated in several other cities around the country.
  42. [42]
    Red Mass 2025 - Archdiocese of Toronto
    Sep 23, 2025 · On September 4, 2025, lawyers, judges and others called to the vocation of law gathered at St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica in Toronto for ...
  43. [43]
    2025 Red Mass and Dinner - RegFox
    2025 Red Mass and Dinner. October 30, 2025. Red Mass with Archbishop Richard W. Smith, at 5:00 pm. Holy Rosary Cathedral 646 Richards St, Vancouver, ...
  44. [44]
    The Red Mass 2024 | Diocese of Montreal - Diocèse de Montréal
    Aug 27, 2024 · Montreal Red Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 8:30AM in the magnificent Chapelle du Sacré-Coeur of Notre-Dame Basilica.
  45. [45]
    2024 Annual Red Mass - Law Society of Alberta
    Calgary's annual Red Mass, to be held on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, at St. Mary's Cathedral. Bishop William McGrattan will preside, with a reception to follow.
  46. [46]
    Religious Freedom - ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CALGARY
    Oct 29, 2023 · The Red Mass was first celebrated at the Cathedral of Paris in 1245, dates back to 1896 in Canada and re-instituted in Calgary in 2015. It ...<|separator|>
  47. [47]
    [PDF] Commencement Services 2025 Law Term
    Feb 3, 2025 · Other. The Red Mass has been celebrated annually in Sydney since. 1931. The first recorded Red Mass was celebrated at Notre Dame.
  48. [48]
    Tuesday 28 January 2025 The Red Mass - Melbourne Catholic
    The Red Mass is a traditional gathering of the legal profession to invoke God's guidance and blessing for the year ahead.
  49. [49]
    Red Mass for legal profession celebrates God's vision of justice
    Feb 7, 2025 · The Mass on Monday 3 February 2025 brought together legal and judicial professionals, as well as government representatives and law students.
  50. [50]
    9am Red Mass for the commencement of the Law Term at St Mary's ...
    Jan 29, 2024 · 9am Red Mass for the commencement of the Law Term at St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney - 29th January 2024 Principal Celebrant: The Most Reverend ...Missing: Australia | Show results with:Australia
  51. [51]
    Ateneo Law community celebrates Mass of the Holy Spirit and Red ...
    Aug 8, 2025 · The Red Mass, meanwhile, was offered for all members of the legal profession—judges, lawyers, law professors, students, and public servants— ...
  52. [52]
    ICYMI: San Beda University College of Law held its Red Mass ...
    May 22, 2025 · “The Red Mass is so-called from the red vestments traditionally worn in symbolism of the tongues of fire (the Holy Spirit) that descended on the ...
  53. [53]
    CLS : Red Mass 2024 - Catholic Lawyers Malaysia
    Jan 13, 2024 · The Catholic Lawyers' Society of Kuala Lumpur (KL) celebrated their 30th Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit, more commonly known as Red Mass, ...
  54. [54]
    Serving God, our King – CLG's Red Mass - Catholic News
    Feb 7, 2024 · When the tradition spread to England about year 1310, the Red Mass was attended by both judges and lawyers. In Singapore, the first Red Mass in ...
  55. [55]
    Red Mass: lobbying high court or simple prayer service? - CNN.com
    Oct 1, 2009 · The Red Mass was started in Washington in 1952 by the John Carroll Society, a lay Catholic group of prominent lawyers and professionals. Chief ...<|separator|>
  56. [56]
    May judges wear their robes in church at a St. Thomas More ...
    The "Red Mass" is a once-a-year event where judges of all faiths appear in robes to honor deceased lawyers and judges. The religious service is therefore ...
  57. [57]
    SHOULD A JUDGE WEAR A ROBE TO THE RED MASS? | - AJA Blog
    Oct 4, 2024 · The committee returned a formal opinion against donning a robe at the Red Mass, or any religious service, given a potential appearance of undue influence.
  58. [58]
    [PDF] Is There a Place for Religion in Judicial Decision-Making?
    This Red Mass controversy highlights some of the complexi- ties of the relationship between judging and religion. Surely we can- not fault Catholic judges on ...
  59. [59]
    Catholics for Choice Counters the Supreme Court “Red Mass”
    Oct 1, 2023 · “The Red Mass is a prime example of the religious overreach of Catholic bishops into the judicial and legislative branches of our government.
  60. [60]
    Red Mass: child abuse survivors protest against Catholic event for ...
    Jan 28, 2019 · Child abuse survivors and advocates will stage a protest at Catholic mass events being held for the legal profession on Tuesday, saying the church and state ...
  61. [61]
    A Red Warning for Justice for Survivors - Justia's Verdict
    Nov 22, 2023 · And for that, the Red Mass should elicit concern and a warning to all of us, Catholics and non-Catholics alike—as the color red often does.Missing: criticism | Show results with:criticism
  62. [62]
    What is Red Mass? The Catholic Supreme Court service delayed by ...
    Oct 6, 2025 · The Catholic Supreme Court service delayed by a Molotov cocktail threat. Though scheduled to support their service in the new term, no justices ...
  63. [63]
    Man arrested at Red Mass had explosives: Court records
    Oct 7, 2025 · Man arrested outside Red Mass ceremony with 200+ explosive devices. Charged with possession of destructive device. Held without bond.<|separator|>
  64. [64]
    Man with tent arrested outside Red Mass for judiciary, Supreme Court
    Oct 6, 2025 · A man who allegedly had a molotov cocktail was arrested Sunday outside St. Matthew's Cathedral before the annual Mass marking the start of a ...
  65. [65]
    Suspect with anti-Catholic manifesto arrested with explosives at ...
    Oct 8, 2025 · Police say they arrested a man outside a Washington cathedral with over 100 explosives and a manifesto targeting Catholics, Jews, ...
  66. [66]
    Man arrested ahead of DC Red Mass found to have explosives
    Oct 7, 2025 · With a security threat outside the cathedral ahead of this year's Red Mass Oct. 5, 2025, none of the justices attended. (OSV News photo ...
  67. [67]
    Backgrounder: Attacks on Catholic Churches in the U.S. | USCCB
    At least 404 incidents have occurred across 43 states and the District of Columbia since May 2020. Incidents include arson, statues beheaded, limbs cut, ...
  68. [68]
    'Always a bit on edge.' How religious leaders are confronting wave ...
    Oct 2, 2025 · Mosques, synagogues and churches have heightened security in recent years amid an uptick in deadly attacks.
  69. [69]
    Red Mass for judges, lawyers defended amid protests at St Patrick's ...
    Jan 29, 2020 · The "Red Mass" tradition for the legal fraternity dates back to the 13th century; Protesters have called for lawyers and judges to not attend ...<|separator|>
  70. [70]
    Red Mass 2021 - The Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend
    Oct 26, 2021 · Red Mass 2021. Author Image ... Some legal ethicists hold to what is called “role morality,” a position popular today in legal ethics.
  71. [71]
    Bishop Barron's 2017 Red Mass Homily - Word on Fire
    Jan 17, 2017 · Bishop Barron's 2017 Red Mass Homily ... The Bible is filled with the language and imagery of the law: Torah, commandment, covenant, justification ...
  72. [72]
    Library : Justice Should Be Administered in Obedience to God's Law
    Jan 12, 2010 · 1. The tradition of celebrating annually the Red Mass to invoke the inspiration and strength of the God the Holy Spirit upon those charged with ...
  73. [73]
    [PDF] Red Mass homily
    Oct 14, 2024 · Yet here, we have Jesus repeatedly saying, “you have heard it said….” And then quoting Mosaic law with the best of them. Then in contrast ...
  74. [74]
    Red Mass Homily – Basilica of the Assumption
    Red Mass Homily – Basilica of the Assumption ... Accordingly, the Pharisees were skilled in the Jewish law and they sought to observe it scrupulously.
  75. [75]
    Red Mass: The wisdom of Solomon is 'a listening heart' - The ...
    Benedictine Abbot Justin Brown delivered the homily at the annual Red Mass – marking the start of the legal year – on Oct. 7 at St. Louis Cathedral, ...
  76. [76]
    Monmouth County Red Mass recognizes those seeking justice
    Oct 15, 2021 · ... Red Mass . ... Solomon asked God for wisdom “above anything else,” Father Lee said. “It is ...<|separator|>