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'Red mass' celebrated in the diocese of belleville

Story and photos by LIZ QUIRIN
Messenger editor

A “Red Mass” is traditionally celebrated in October to mark the opening of the United States Supreme Court session and the beginning of the “judicial” year, according to some sources.

Celebrants wear red vestments in honor of the Holy Spirit which explains the name “Red” Mass.

The custom of celebrating a special liturgy where judges, attorneys, law professors, public officials and those who work in the court system can attend as a group is said to have originated in the 13th century, according to sources.
St. Thomas More, a martyr of the 16th century is the patron saint of attorneys among others.

A St. Thomas More Society in Los Angeles, Calif., writes: “For American lawyers, the life of St. Thomas More has become a model for men and women trained in the heritage of English common law. St. Thomas More, who stood alone and gave his life for his principles, has been selected as a special patron of the Red Mass in Los Angeles.”

In Washington, D.C., the traditional Red Mass is celebrated at St. Matthew the Apostle, and this year, Oct. 5, Cardinal John Foley spoke about the vocations of priests and those who work in the field of law.

“We both consider law as a guide to a well-ordered society. We both see law as a means in which people can be educated to perceive what is good and to strive for it,” the cardinal said.

“As the psalmist says, we both see law as a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. We both see law as a liberation from chaos and disordered passions and as establishing an environment of mutual respect and even of love.”