Louisiana judges gathered this morning at St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square for the 71st annual Red Mass, which marks the opening of the judicial year. Traditionally, Red Mass is held the first Monday in October. Members of the bench and bar, as well as officials of all faiths and the public, were invited to attend.
“The Louisiana Supreme Court Justices and I attend Red Mass for the divine blessing of wisdom, understanding, counsel, and discernment in decision-making relative to the administration of laws and justice for those we serve,” said Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer.
The Red Mass is sponsored by the St. Thomas More Catholic Lawyers Association and goes back many centuries in Rome, Paris, and London. The name makes reference to the red vestments worn by the celebrants. In Louisiana, Red Mass was first offered in St. Louis Cathedral on October 5, 1953.
The Red Mass has also been celebrated annually in communities throughout Louisiana and in various venues such as California, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Georgia, and the District of Columbia.