New Orleans, La. — The Louisiana Supreme Court (LASC) and members of the Louisiana State Judiciary and the State Bar gathered today at St. Louis Cathedral to celebrate Red Mass, which is traditionally held on the first Monday in October to mark the beginning of the new Supreme Court term.
Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond was the Celebrant and Fr. Mark Thibodeaux, pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Church in New Orleans, delivered the homily. Judges, lawyers, public officials of all faiths and members of the public were invited to attend the Mass, which was preceded by a procession from the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse to the St. Louis Cathedral.
Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer noted that the Red Mass tradition is rooted in a commitment to justice, truth, and charity.
“The Red Mass is a centuries-old tradition that reminds us of the solemn responsibility the legal community has in ensuring justice for all of Louisiana’s people and its vibrant communities,” Justice Weimer said. “Holding it at the beginning of a judicial term calls on us to reflect on the principles of justice, fairness, and truth as we embark on a new year of service to the people of Louisiana. It is a moment to ask for wisdom and to reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law.”
The Red Mass is sponsored by the Catholic Bishops of the State of Louisiana and the St. Thomas More Catholic Lawyers Association. Red Mass is celebrated in several states in the U.S. and in countries around the world. The U.S. Supreme Court celebrates the Red Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle in the Archdiocese of Washington. The Red Mass has been celebrated annually in New Orleans since 1953.