The St. Mary’s University School of Law, in collaboration with the Archdiocese of San Antonio and the Catholic Lawyers’ Guild, will host the 72nd annual Red Mass on Thursday, Oct. 17, at San Fernando Cathedral. This time-honored tradition serves as a spiritual gathering for the San Antonio legal community, signaling the start of the judicial year. 

“Red Mass has become one of our most cherished traditions at St. Mary’s School of Law, embodying the spirit of unity and purpose that defines our close-knit legal community in San Antonio,” said Patricia E. Roberts, J.D., St. Mary’s University School of Law Dean and Charles E. Cantú Distinguished Professor of Law. “It’s a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to pursue justice with wisdom, compassion and faith. In these divided times, Red Mass serves as a beacon, calling us to reflect on our roles as healers and protectors of the Rule of Law. It reminds us that, as members of the legal profession, we have a unique opportunity to be the change we wish to see in the world.”

The evening begins at 5:45 p.m. with a ceremonial procession from Main Plaza to the Cathedral at 115 Main Plaza, where legal professionals will march under vibrant red banners. The Mass begins at 6 p.m. and is open to all community members and all faiths. 

The Most Rev. Gustavo García-Siller, M.Sp.S., Archbishop of San Antonio, will serve as principal celebrant and homilist. Welcoming remarks will be delivered by Patty Vargas (J.D. ’02), president of the San Antonio Bar Association; and Santos Vargas, J.D. (B.A. ’99), president-elect of the State Bar of Texas. 

For those unable to attend in person, the Red Mass will be streamed on YouTube and Facebook, and broadcast on Spectrum Cable Channel 15 via Catholic Television. 

“The Red Mass provides an opportunity for the legal community to gather, be inspired and receive a mandate for seeking justice in the coming year,” said the Rev. John Thompson, S.M., Ed.D., St. Mary’s Vice President for Mission. “The justice we are talking about goes beyond the letter of the law and is informed by a God of mercy and justice. Psalm 15 states, ‘The one who does justice shall live in the presence of God.’ The Red Mass reminds us that there is a connection between justice and the holy. It is a reminder that justice is sought not only to uphold the rule of law, but to make things right in the eyes of God. Yes, the one who does justice shall live in the presence of God!”

The Red Mass tradition originated in 1245 in Europe, where members of the legal community would gather for Mass at the start of each judicial year. The event’s name refers to the red vestments worn by clergy, symbolizing the Holy Spirit, and the crimson robes worn by judges. Today, Red Mass is celebrated in legal communities across the U.S. to invoke God’s wisdom and blessings on the administration of justice. 

Revived by St. Mary’s University School of Law and the Catholic Lawyers’ Guild 72 years ago, Red Mass continues to serve as a cornerstone event for the San Antonio legal community, bringing together judges, attorneys, lawmakers and other legal professionals from across the city and beyond. 

For event information, email Sister Grace Walle, F.M.I., D.Min., St. Mary’s Law Chaplain and Red Mass Coordinator, at gwalle@stmarytx.edu. 

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