October 06, 2011
Red Mass
5:30 p.m.
-
8:30 p.m.
Location: Robing - Sullivan Hall, West Lobby; Mass - Chapel of St. Ignatius; Reception - Sullivan Hall, 2nd Floor Gallery
Seattle University School of Law is proud to honor the contributions of our alumni, the bench, bar, legislators, law students and other members of the legal and legislative communities. Please plan to join us for this traditional annual blessing of the compelling work we are called to do in society.
Join us for a special tribute and reception in honor of The Honorable Mary E. Fairhurst, of the Washington State Supreme Court, in Sullivan Hall following Red Mass. Please RSVP by September 27 to rsvplawalumni@seattleu.edu or 206.398.4600.
For those members of the judiciary who wish to take part in the procession, please plan to wear your judicial robes.
THE STORY OF RED MASS
Red Mass is a tradition dating back to 14th century England, when both priests and judges wore robes in the color of the ecclesiastical seasons and events. The color red is worn for this Mass as a symbol of the Holy Spirit and of our call and commitment to social justice in our work and academic endeavors.
Historically, the Red Mass was held in Westminster to celebrate the beginning of Michaelmas, the feast of St. Michael on September 29 or fall term of the King's Bench. The gathering was an occasion for pageantry and solemnity as judges, barristers, and members of Parliament invoked God's blessing and guidance for themselves and their profession. Today, Seattle University and its School of Law join many throughout the United States and the world who celebrate this tradition annually at the opening of the judicial year, to emphasize the legal profession's vital role in promoting justice and peace.