A Red Mass is a Catholic Mass annually offered towards all members of the legal profession, regardless of religious affiliation: judges, lawyers, law school professors, law students, and government officials, marking the opening of the judicial year.

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 for most European countries.

Oct 3, 2015 · A Red Mass was celebrated Jan. 9, 1939 at the national shrine of the immaculate conception at Catholic University in Washington.

All members of the legal profession are welcome at the Red Mass, regardless of religious affiliation. In England, the tradition of the Red Mass began around 1310, during the reign of Edward I. The Mass was offered at Westminster Abbey at the opening of the Michaelmas term (September 29th).

Originating centuries ago in Rome, Paris, and London, the Red Mass takes its name from the scarlet robes worn by royal judges who attended the Mass and from the red vestments worn by the sacred ministers, who celebrated it as a votive Mass of the Holy Spirit.

Since 1977, the Red Mass has been held on the Sunday before the first Monday in October, the traditional start to the term for the United States Supreme Court. Many of the justices commonly attend, particularly as currently six of the nine justices are Catholic.

Jan 29, 2025 · They mark the beginning of the judicial year with a Red Mass, an ancient tradition that dates back to the 13 th century when Pope Innocent IV introduced it for the Ecclesial Judicial Court.

Oct 1, 2024 · “The Red Mass has its roots in medieval Europe where Holy Mass would be offered at the beginning of the legal year in order to invoke the Holy Spirit upon all those charged with upholding justice,” explains Catholic attorney Matthew Clark of the Clark Law Office in Lansing.

The Red Mass is offered to invoke divine guidance and strength during the coming term of court. It is celebrated in honor of the Holy Spirit as the source of wisdom, understanding, counsel, and fortitude, gifts which must shine forth preeminently in the dispensing of justice in the courtroom as well as in the individual lawyer's office.

The Red Mass is an ancient tradition. It is the Solemn Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit celebrated generally near the beginning of the judicial year.