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Originating in Europe during the High Middle Ages, the Red Mass is so-called from the red vestments traditionally worn in symbolism of the tongues of fire (the Holy Spirit) that descended on the Apostles at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). Additionally, Judges of the High Court of England and all doctors of law wore red robes or academic hoods.
When the Mass started in 1953, in Washingon, D.C. there were no Catholic members of the Supreme Court. The service’s traditional “Catholic seat” had to be filled at the time by Justice Sherman Minton, a Protestant whose wife was Catholic. Today, there are six Catholic justices, three Jewish justices and, for the first time in history, no Protestant justices.
On September 25, 2012, the oldest continuously-celebrated Red Mass in the United States will hold its 100th anniversary in Downtown Detroit at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, Saints Peter and Paul Church, 629 Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, Michigan. The Honorable Michael Cavanagh, Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, will deliver the Renewal of the Lawyer’s Oath of Commitment.
What Is The Red Mass In Washington D.C.? was originally published on elev8.com
