The Red Mass
The Red Mass is a traditional way of beginning the judicial term by asking God's guidance for all the members of the legal profession.
Dating back to the thirteenth century, this Mass invokes the Holy Spirit for guidance and wisdom in upholding justice by the Bench and Bar.
The red vestments and gowns worn by the priest and the attending justices centuries ago gave this Mass its name.
Today, the Red Mass is attended by judges, lawyers, and officials of all paths asking God to bless, strengthen and enlighten all servants of the law in order to better achieve "the blessings of liberty and justice for ourselves and our posterity."
Images from 2025
Red Mass, Center for Citizenship and Constitutional Government; Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend; Lindsay and Matt Moroun Religious Liberty Clinic; Ogletree Deakins; Program on Church, State, and Society; St. Thomas More Society; St. Thomas More Society of South Bend, Indiana; and SouthBank Legal
The Red Mass and the Vestiges of Catholic Lawyering, Dennis J. Wieboldt III
Volunteers Needed for the Red Mass, Michael Love
Programs from 2023
2023 Red Mass Invitation, Notre Dame Law School
Historical Notes Regarding the Red Mass at NDLS, Beth Gelroth Klein
Programs from 2016
Red Mass Invitation 2016, Notre Dame Law School
The Red Mass, Notre Dame Law School
Tradition of the Red Mass, Notre Dame Law School
Programs from 2008
Red Mass 2008, Notre Dame Law School
Red Mass Invitation 2008, Notre Dame Law School
Programs from 2006
Red Mass 2006, Notre Dame Law School
Red Mass Invitation 2006, Notre Dame Law School
Programs from 2005
Red Mass 2005, Notre Dame Law School
Red Mass Invitation 2005, Notre Dame Law School
Programs from 2004
Red Mass 2004, Notre Dame Law School
Red Mass Invitation 2004, Notre Dame Law School
Red Mass 2004, Notre Dame Law School
Programs from 2003
Red Mass 2003, Notre Dame Law School
Red Mass Invitation 2003, Notre Dame Law School
Programs from 1978
Red Mass 1978, Notre Dame Law School
Red Mass Invitation 1978, Notre Dame Law School