Red Mass
On February 15, 1953, Archbishop Patrick A. O’Boyle celebrated the first John Carroll Society sponsored Red Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle. In succeeding years, the congregation frequently has included the President of the United States, the Chief Justice of the United States, and Associate Justices, other leading federal, state and local jurists, cabinet officials, members of Congress, diplomats, university presidents, deans, professors, students of law, and lawyers.
The Red Mass is celebrated annually at the Cathedral, traditionally on the Sunday before the first Monday in October, which marks the opening of the Supreme Court’s annual term. Its purpose is to invoke God’s blessings on those responsible for the administration of justice as well as on all public officials.
Since its inception, the Red Mass has remained the ceremonial highlight of the Society’s year. Liturgically, the Red Mass is celebrated as the Solemn Mass of the Holy Spirit. Its name derives from the traditional red color of the vestments worn by clergy during the Mass, representing the tongues of fire symbolizing the presence of the Holy Spirit.
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The Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, where the Red Mass is celebrated.
The Red Mass enjoys a rich history. Originating centuries ago in Rome, Paris and London, its name also exemplifies the scarlet robes worn by royal judges that attended the Mass centuries ago. The Red Mass historically 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. In England, beginning in the Middle Ages and continuing even through World War II, judges and lawyers have attended the Red Mass, which today is celebrated 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 increasingly in communities throughout the United States.
To view a video recording of the 2020 Red Mass, including a brief tour of the Cathedral of St. Matthew and history of the Red Mass, please click here. To read an article in the Catholic Standard about the 2020 Red Mass, click here.
To read an article in the Catholic Standard about the 2019 Red Mass and its homily, delivered by His Excellency, Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory, please click here. To read an article in the Catholic Standard about the honorees awarded with the Pro Bono Legal Service Awards at the 2019 Red Mass Brunch, click here.
To read the 2018 Red Mass homily, delivered by Msgr. Peter J. Vaghi, Chaplain of the Society, please click here. To read Msgr. Vaghi's remarks from the 2018 Red Mass Brunch, click here.
To read or listen to the 2017 Red Mass homily, delivered by His Excellency, Archbishop José H. Gómez, Archbishop of Los Angeles, please click here.
To read the 2016 Red Mass homily, delivered by His Excellency, Archbishop Bernard Hebda, Archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis, please click here.
In 2014, EWTN News Nightly featured a news segment regarding the Red Mass, including an interview with John Carroll Society then-President Elizabeth B. Meers. The segment can be viewed below.
(To enable full-screen viewing, start the video and click on the "Full screen" icon in the lower right corner of the frame below.
Each year, at the Brunch following the Red Mass, the Society confers its Pro Bono Legal Service Awards to thank lawyers and law firms that have provided outstanding service to the Catholic Charities Legal Network.
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2024 Recipients 2023 Recipients 2022 Recipients 2021 Recipients 2020 Recipients 2019 Recipients 2018 Recipients 2017 Recipients 2016 Recipients 2015 Recipients |
2014 Recipients 2013 Recipients 2012 Recipients 2011 Recipients 2010 Recipients 2009 Recipients 2008 Recipients 2007 Recipients 2006 Recipients 2005 Recipients 2004 Recipients 2003 Recipients 2002 Recipients
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2001 Recipients 2000 Recipients 1999 Recipients 1998 Recipients 1997 Recipients 1996 Recipients 1995 Recipients 1994 Recipients 1993 Recipients 1992 Recipients 1991 Recipients |