Archbishop Gustavo gives a homily during Red Mass.

Red Mass

Join us for Red Mass

Join us for the 73rd annual Red Mass at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, at San Fernando Cathedral, 115 Main Plaza, in downtown San Antonio.

Students with banners during Red Mass.

Each fall, the St. Mary’s University School of Law welcomes the start of the new judicial year with a local adaptation of the centuries-old tradition of Red Mass. Members of the San Antonio legal community, St. Mary’s Law and the Catholic Lawyers’ Guild gather for Red Mass to continue upholding the 73-year tradition that marks the fall start of the judicial year.

The Most Rev. Gustavo Garcia-Siller, M.Sp.S., Archbishop of San Antonio, will be the principal celebrant and homilist.

2025 Red Mass

Thursday, Oct. 16
5:45 p.m., Processional; 6 p.m., Mass begins.
San Fernando Cathedral, 115 Main Plaza, San Antonio, 78205


About Red Mass

The tradition of Red Mass dates back to 1245 in Europe when both the bench and bar attended the Mass together at the beginning of each judicial session. The name is derived from the scarlet robes worn by judges and red vestments worn by priests in honor of the Holy Spirit. Red Mass is celebrated throughout the country for the purpose of requesting God’s blessings and guidance on the administration of justice.

The tradition was revived in San Antonio 72 years ago by the St. Mary’s University School of Law and the Catholic Lawyers’ Guild of San Antonio, which organize the annual event with representatives from San Antonio legal organizations, the judiciary and the State Legislature.

The School of Law is grateful to the Archdiocese of San Antonio to be welcomed each year to the San Fernando Cathedral for this beautiful and solemn event.

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