Federal Judiciary

Marshall's first "Red Mass"

By Michael C. Smith

As Catholics (some, anyway) know, a Red Mass is a Mass celebrated annually for judges, lawyers, law students and governmental officials.  According to the font of all truth and wisdom (yes, Wikipedia), the Mass "requests guidance from the Holy Spirit for all who seek justice."  (Yes, I actually hyperlinked to the Holy Spirit - I am really not sure that's appropriate - and I'm scared where I would go if I clicked on it).  The tradition originated in the Middle Ages, and the color comes from the red vestments traditionally worn. 

In Washington, D.C., the Red Mass has been celebrated annually at St. Matthew's Cathedral since 1953.  According to St. Matt's, which is probably a tad higher up the precedential scale on such matters, the Red Mass "requests guidance from the Holy Spirit for the conduct of the legal profession. It is attended by Supreme Court justices and members of Congress, the Cabinet, diplomatic corps, and other government departments, sometimes including the President of the United States."  Not that you need an excuse to visit the place - I was an altar server at St. Matthew's four days a week while in Washington during graduate school.  Let me tell you - spending an hour in that place at 8 am before heading in to work was quite a way to start the day.  

This evening at 5:30 pm, my local parish, St. Joseph's Catholic Church here in Marshall will be having its first Red Mass, sponsored by the local Knights of Columbus council and assembly.  It'll be a good way to kick off the bench/bar meeting that starts in Plano this evening (I am not counting the golf game that's going on as we speak) taking some time out of a busy schedule to stop and think and pray a little bit about the profession that is common to almost everyone that will read these words.

Full post as published by Eastern District of Texas Federal Court Practice on October 20, 2010 (boomark / email).