Red Mass

The tradition of the Red Mass was begun by Pope Innocent IV in 1243 for the Ecclesial Judical Court asking the invocation of the Holy Spirit as a source of wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude and strength for the coming term of the court.

The word "red" was originally used to describe the Mass in 1310, because the justices of the English Supreme Court wore scarlet robes. Over time the "Red" Mass came to have a deeper theological meaning, with red symbolizing the tongues of fire that descended upon the Apostles at Pentecost and the martyrdom of saints such as Thomas More (patron of lawyers) and John Cardinal Fisher.

In the United States the first Red Mass was celebrated in New York City on October 6, 1928, at Old St. Andrew's Church with Cardinal Patrick Hayes. Today over 25 dioceses throughout the United States celebrate a Red Mass each year, not only with fellow Catholics in the legal community, but with persons of all faith traditions in attendance.

2019 Red Mass

The 2019 Red Mass (PDF flyer) will be celebrated at 5:30p (Eastern Time) on Monday, October 7, at St. Alphonsus Liguori (Zionsville). Bishop Timothy L. Doherty will celebrate the Mass, which will be followed by a dinner for legal professionals and a presentation by United States District Judge James Patrick Hanlon. Members of the legal community may use the following form to RSVP by September 27.

Past Red Mass Speakers

• 2018 - United States District Court Chief Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson
• 2017 - Indiana Supreme Court Associate Justice Mark S. Massa 
• 2016 - Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta H. Rush

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