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GARDEN GROVE, Calif. (Sept. 26, 2022) — Christ Cathedral is hosting the 34th annual Red Mass at 6 p.m. Oct. 3, a special Mass for the legal community hosted by the St. Thomas More Society that is celebrated at the opening of the judicial year in Orange County and throughout the world.

Bishop Kevin Vann is the celebrant, with the Very Rev. Douglas Cook, JCL as homilist and Orange County Superior Court Judge Julie A. Palafox as the St. Thomas More Society honoree.

Judges attending the Red Mass in Orange County traditionally wear red robes in a renewal of an ancient tradition practiced for hundreds of years after the institution of the Red Mass in the 13th century.

The custom received its distinguished name from the brilliant scarlet vestments worn by the Mass celebrant and Lord High Justices in England.

The St. Thomas More Society is an independent organization sponsored by lawyers, judges and college law professors who are practicing members of the Roman Catholic Church. Part of the society’s mission is to provide opportunities for the Catholic legal community to strengthen faith through education, fellowship and prayer.

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About the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange

With 1.3 million Catholics, 57 parishes, five Catholic centers and 35 schools, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange is one of the largest and most diverse faith communities in the United States. The Diocese empowers Catholics across Orange County to have an active life of faith that is integrated and woven into the fabric of their daily lives through the community and sacramental life of the Church. Under the leadership of Bishop Kevin Vann, the Diocese works to establish and support dynamic, vibrant parishes and schools welcoming all to live the Gospel with faith, joy, charity and unity. Christ Cathedral, the spiritual home of the Bishop of Orange, was dedicated in July 2019.