What is the Red Mass?

WHAT IS THE RED MASS?

The Red Mass is celebrated annually throughout the United States and Europe by lawyers and public officials who want to invoke God’s blessing and guidance on the administration of justice. In Washington, D.C., the Red Mass is held on the Sunday before the first Monday in October, to coincide with the new term of the Supreme Court of the United States. Justices of the Court, other judges, professors of law, lawyers, diplomats, government officials, and people of all faiths attend the Mass.

Liturgically, the Red Mass is a Solemn Mass of the Holy Spirit. The priest wears red vestments reminiscent of the tongues of fire that symbolize the presence of the Holy Spirit.

The Red Mass enjoys a rich history. It began centuries ago in Rome, Paris, and London. It originally marked the official opening of the judicial year of the Sacred Roman Rota, the Tribunal of the Holy See. During the reign of Louis IX, Saint Louis of France, La Sainte Chapelle in Paris was designated as the chapel for the Mass and is now used only once during the year, solely for the Red Mass. Beginning in the Middle Ages and continuing even through World War II, English judges and lawyers have attended the Red Mass annually at Westminster Cathedral.

In the United States, the Red Mass tradition was inaugurated in 1928 at Old Saint Andrew’s Church in New York City. Since then, the Red Mass has been celebrated annually there and in many cities across the United States.