Red Mass

Each fall, 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.

This year, the San Antonio legal community will gather for Red Mass on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022, to continue upholding the centuries-old tradition that marks the fall start of the judicial year.

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 70 years ago by the
St. Mary’s University School of Law and the Catholic Lawyers Guild of San Antonio, who 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.

About Red Mass

The Mass will begin at 6 p.m. and will be livestreamed by Catholic Television.

Auxiliary Bishop Gary Janak of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, will be the principal celebrant and homilist.