Red Mass asks God's blessing on judiciary and legal system

Washington Auxiliary Bishop Martin D. Holley greets U.S. Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan following the annual Red Mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington Sept. 30. Also pictured are justices Stephen Breyer, right rear, and Anthon y M. Kennedy, front left. The Mass traditionally marks the start of the court year, including the opening of the Supreme Court term. CNS photo/Christopher Newkumet

On Oct. 2, at 6 p.m., local judges, elected officials, lawyers and members of the public will gather at Corpus Christi Cathedral for the celebration of the traditional Red Mass. The Red Mass is a special mass liturgy calling upon God, as the Supreme Law Giver, for His guidance and blessings on the administration of justice and those whose duty it is to teach, judge and resolve legal matters.

The public is invited to join in this community-wide celebration. The Bishop Wm. Michael Mulvey, will preside and concelebrate the Mass with priests of the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

The Red Mass has been celebrated in Europe since 1245 and in the United States since 1928; this year the Red Mass was held at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington on Sunday, Sept. 30. Supreme Court Justice John Roberts and five of his colleagues on the Supreme Court attended.

It received the name "Red Mass" from the bright red vestments worn by the celebrants and the brilliant scarlet robes worn by the Lord High Justices in England. Today it is observed in most large cities throughout the country, typically during the fall, the traditional time for the opening of a new judicial session.