Diocese of Orange to Host 27th Annual Red Mass for Legal Community
GARDEN GROVE, CALIF., (SEPT. 25, 2015) – The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange and the St. Thomas More Society will host the 27th annual Red Mass at Holy Family Cathedral in Orange. The Red Mass is celebrated annually at the opening of the judicial year to invoke God’s blessings on the legal profession.
Orange County judges and lawyers will attend as a group, joined by public officials and law faculty members.
Event Details
- What: The 27th Annual Red Mass
- When: Monday, October 5th, at 6:00 p.m.
- Where: Holy Family Cathedral in Orange
“I am pleased to take this special opportunity 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 attend this celebration and the St. Thomas More Society dinner after the Red Mass where an exemplary legal professional will receive the St. Thomas More Award,” said Bishop Vann.
The History of the Red Mass
This unique Mass for the Bench and Bar has been celebrated for many centuries all over the world. The custom originated in Europe in the 13th century and received its name from the brilliant scarlet vestments worn by the Mass celebrant and the Lord High Justices in England.
- 1245: The first recorded “Red Mass” took place in Paris, France, in the chapel of the Order of Advocates, La Sainte Chapelle.
- c. 1310: The tradition began in England during the reign of Edward I, with the entire Bench and Bar attending at the opening of each term of Court.
- Modern Day: The tradition continues in the United States. Each year in Washington, D.C., members of the Supreme Court join the President and members of Congress in celebrating the Red Mass. It is also celebrated in Sacramento and major cities throughout the country.
- 1988: The first Red Mass in Orange County was celebrated and has become an honored local tradition.
“The Red Mass in Orange County is an honored tradition that brings the legal community together and reminds us of the lawyer’s duty as a servant to his client and to justice and equity in the law,” said William Malecki, chair of the 2015 Diocese of Orange Red Mass Committee.
Media Contact:
Ryan Lilyengren
714-282-3075