A Legacy of Faith and Law 65th Annual Red Mass

More than 300 parishioners and members of the legal, judicial and educational professions gathered at San Fernando Cathedral for the 65th Annual Red Mass presided by Most Rev. Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, Archbishop of San Antonio, calling upon the Holy Spirit to provide guidance and wisdom to begin the new judicial and academic year. Photos: Veronica Markland | Today's Catholic

History of the Red Mass

More than 300 parishioners and members of the legal, judicial and educational professions gathered at San Fernando Cathedral for the 65th Annual Red Mass presided by Most Rev. Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, Archbishop of San Antonio, calling upon the Holy Spirit to provide guidance and wisdom to begin the new judicial and academic year. Photos: Veronica Markland | Today’s Catholic

The Red Mass is a historical tradition within the Catholic Church dating back to the 13th century when it officially opened the term of the court for most European countries. The first recorded Red Mass was celebrated in the Cathedral of Paris in 1245. From there, it spread to most European countries.

Around 1310, during the reign of King Edward I, the tradition began in England with the Mass offered at Westminster Abbey at the opening of the Michaelmas term. It receive its name from the fact that the celebrant was vested in red and the Lord High Justices were robed in brilliant scarlet. They were joined by the university professors displaying red in their academic gowns.

In the United States, the first Red Mass occurred in New York City on Oct. 6, 1928. One of the better-known Red Masses is the one celebrated each fall at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C.

San Antonio revived the tradition 65 years ago through the auspices of the St. Mary’s University School of Law and the Catholic Lawyers’ Guild of San Antonio. Red Mass calls upon God to grant light and inspiration to the lawyer in pleasing and to the judge in adjudicating during the court year. Officials of all faiths attend in their capacity as private individuals to receive God’s blessing and guidance on the court term.

 

 

 

 


 

 

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”17″ gal_title=”Red Mass”]

Photos: Veronica Markland | Today’s Catholic 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Today's Catholic Newspaper

Be an informed Catholic by subscribing to Today's Catholic Newspaper online! Save time by renewing or purchasing for yourself, friend, or family member. Click on the SUBSCRIBE button at the top of this page to find out more. #iamTodaysCatholic