Annual Red Mass for Legal Community to Feature Renewal of Ancient Tradition
Garden Grove, Calif., (Sept. 26, 2017) – The Diocese of Orange and the St. Thomas More Society of Orange County will host the 29th annual Red Mass, a ceremony invoking God’s blessing on the local legal community at the start of the judicial year.
In a special renewal of a centuries-old tradition, judges attending the Red Mass in Orange County will don red robes for the first time since the inaugural Mass in 1988.
Event Details
- What: The 29th Annual Red Mass
- When: Monday, October 2, 2017, at 6:00 p.m.
- Where: Holy Family Cathedral, Orange
- Who: Open to all judges, attorneys, law faculty, public officials, and their families, regardless of faith.
- Reception: A complimentary dinner will follow at approximately 7:00 p.m. in the parish hall.
The Mass will be hosted by The Most Rev. Kevin Vann, Bishop of Orange, and The Most Rev. Timothy Freyer, Auxiliary Bishop of Orange.
Statements from Diocesan Leadership
Bishop Kevin Vann: “I am blessed to recognize the dedication and mission of our local legal community and seek to strengthen their resolve in the upcoming judicial session. I am honored to concelebrate and to attend the St. Thomas More Society dinner after the Red Mass and acknowledge the exemplary work of Orange County’s legal professionals.”
Bishop Timothy Freyer: “I am pleased to see this venerable tradition continue to strengthen in Orange County. I look forward to attending a beautiful ceremony in which we ask God to bestow his blessings, and especially the virtues of wisdom, justice and mercy, on all who work in law or government.”
The History and Traditions of the Red Mass
The Red Mass is a tradition with deep historical roots in the Catholic Church.
- European Origins: The custom originated in 13th-century Europe. It began in Paris around 1248 and in England around 1310 to mark the official opening of the fall term of the king’s high court.
- The Name: It became known as the “Red Mass” from the scarlet robes worn by the royal judges in attendance and the red vestments worn by the celebrant for a Mass of the Holy Spirit.
- U.S. Tradition: The Red Mass was introduced to the United States in the 19th century. The most famous celebration is held at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C., and is typically attended by members of Congress and justices of the Supreme Court.
- A Renewal of Tradition: While U.S. judges have traditionally worn black robes, a recent movement has seen them increasingly attend in the historic red robes of their forebears, a tradition now being embraced in Orange County.
Contact Information
Pastoral Center: Communications Department 13280 Chapman Avenue, Garden Grove, CA 92840 Office: 714-282-3075 Fax: 714-282-3029