Two Red Masses scheduled for the legal profession

The Valley Catholic

SAN JUAN  —  This year there will be two Red Masses in the Diocese of Brownsville — one at the Immaculate Cathedral in Brownsville, and one in San Isidro, serving the legal communities at opposite poles of the Rio Grande Valley.

The Cameron County Red Mass for those working in the legal profession is set for 6 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Immaculate Cathedral in Brownsville.

The Red Mass in Starr County is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at San Isidro Parish in San Isidro.

All lawyers, judges, government officials, law enforcement, public servants and their families are invited, and the Masses are open to people of all faiths.

The tradition of the Red Mass dates back to Paris during the 13th century, when the first of its kind was celebrated in 1245 in the Paris Cathedral. The Red Mass first spread into other parts of France, and then many of the other nations of Europe. It reached England about 1310, and is still celebrated to this day at Westminster Cathedral.

In the United States, the first Red Mass was celebrated in Detroit in 1877

The Red Mass takes its name from the red vestments worn by the celebrant, and the red robes of members of the legal community. The red symbolizes the tongues of fire that descended on the Apostles from the Holy Spirit during the first Pentecost.

At the Red Mass, guidance from the Holy Spirit is again sought for those present, as well as such gifts of the Holy Spirit as wisdom, fortitude and understanding.

The Red Mass has been described as “an opportunity to reflect on the God-given power and responsibility of all in the legal profession.” During his homily at the 2021 Red Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Mission, Bishop Daniel E. Flores spoke about Blessed Rosario Livatino, a crusading Italian jurist assassinated in 1990, who was also declared a martyr by Pope Francis.