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 first Red Mass is believed to have been celebrated in the Cathedral of Paris in 1245, and thereafter the tradition spread throughout Europe. A Red Mass was initially celebrated to mark the beginning of the annual term of the courts but can be held at other times.
 
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 bestowing the gifts of the Spirit.

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.

One of the better known Red Masses is celebrated each fall at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C., before the Supreme Court begins its new term. This Mass is attended by the Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court, members of Congress, the President’s cabinet, and other federal and local government officials. Those who attend do so as private citizens and not in an official capacity to ensure proper boundaries between Church and state.

Despite this rich history, one might still ask why celebrate a Red Mass? In a culture facing many challenges and divisions, such a gathering is needed to exhort those governing society. It has always been the teaching of the Church to respect proper governmental authority and to seek divine guidance and protection for those who represent others. Moreover, those who serve in the legal community have a pivotal role promoting unity, liberty, justice, equal protection under the law and the common good. It is incumbent, therefore, that the Church support and pray for humility, knowledge, understanding, wisdom and courage, for those who are the stewards of our common good.  

St. Alphonsus Liguori in Zionsville hosts the 4^th annual Diocesan Red Mass at 5:30 pm, Monday, October 7. After Mass with Bishop Timothy L. Doherty, legal professionals will enjoy dinner and a presentation by United States District Judge James Patrick Hanlon.

Judge James Patrick Hanlon began his legal career as a law clerk to the Honorable Robert L. Miller, Jr., District Judge for the Northern District of Indiana. After several years in private practice he served for five years as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of Indiana. For 12 years prior to taking the bench, Judge Hanlon was a partner at Faegre Baker Daniels LLP and co-chair of the Firm’s White Collar Defense and Investigations practice. In addition to serving as retained counsel to companies and individuals, Judge Hanlon represented individuals as appointed counsel in criminal proceedings before the District Court and Seventh Circuit.

Judge Hanlon received his Commission on November 5, 2018, and was sworn in as United States District Judge for the Southern District of Indiana on November 13, 2018. He is a published author in the fields of white collar crime and federal criminal practice and has taught classes on these topics at the IU McKinney School of Law. A graduate of New Trier High School, DePauw University, and Valparaiso University School of Law, he and his family are members of St. Alphonsus Liguori where he serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, youth ministry leader, and Confirmation mentor.

The Red Mass is open to all government officials, attorneys, paralegals, law students and their spouses. One does not have to be Catholic to join in prayer and fellowship for the legal community. RSVP online at www.dol-in.org/RedMass

Legal Saints

St. Thomas More, patron saint of lawyers and government officials; St. Ambrose, St. Pope Gregory the Great, St. John Crysostom, St. Cyprian, St. Charles Borremeo, St. Alphonsus Ligouri, St. Francis de Sales, St. Thomas Becket, St. Raymond of Penyafort, St. Capistrano, St. Paulinus of Nola, St. Cajetan, St. Turbius of Mongrovejo, and St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen.

Saintly Government Leaders
St. Constantine the Great, St. Stephen of Hungary, St. Wenceslaus, St. Henry, St. Louis IX of France, St. Hedwig, St. Margaret of Scotland, St. Bridget of Sweden, St. Elizabeth of Portugal, and St. Elizabeth of Hungary.