2020 Red Mass
Thursday, October 15, 2020, 5:30pm
Originating in the Middle Ages and now celebrated annually in San Francisco and around the world at the opening of each Court year, the Red Mass seeks blessing and guidance for judges, attorneys, law school professors, law students, government officials, and others involved in the legal and justice systems, and indeed for all who seek justice. In England, the custom dates back to the reign of Edward I (1272-1307), and in France jurists have gathered since 1248 in La Sainte Chapelle to attend Mass at the commencement of the new Court Calendar. Its name refers to the red vestments traditionally worn to symbolize the Holy Spirit’s descent upon the Apostles at Pentecost. It also recalls the scarlet robes worn by royal judges who attended the Mass centuries ago.
The St. Thomas More Society of San Francisco will celebrate its 2020 Red Mass on Thursday, October 15, 2020.
Outdoor Mass Celebration: 5:30pm, Holy Rosary Chapel
Catholic Charities St. Vincent’s School for Boys
1 St. Vincent’s Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903
Attendance is limited to the first 80 RSVPs, and we encourage you to reserve your space early, and learn more about our safety precautions, here.
With the safety of our membership firmly in mind, we will forego our traditional indoor gathering at Saints Peter and Paul Church this year in favor of an outdoor Mass. We regret to announce there will be no dinner following the Mass.
We ask all participants to please bring their own chair, hat, and/or umbrella for sun/rain protection.
This year, we are proud to honor Father John Coleman, S.J. as our 2020 St. Thomas More Award Recipient. Please consider joining us as we receive a blessing from the Archbishop and celebrate Father Coleman.
Enjoy pictures from the 2017 Red Mass here.
Past Recipients of The St. Thomas More Award
Dean Marvin J. Anderson
Hon. Carlos T. Bea
Hon. Suzanne Bolanos
Hon. Jeffrey S. Brand
Hon. Louis H. Burke
Hon. Walter I. Carpeneti
Donald C. Carroll
Hon. Ming W. Chin
Hon. William P. Clark, Jr.
Charles H. Clifford
Hon. Carol A. Corrigan
David P. Dawson
Hon. Preston Devine
Richard C. Dinkelspiel
Hugh A. Donohoe
Hon. Robert Dondero
Robert H. Fabian
Mary Bridget Flaherty, R.S.C.J.
Hon. Daniel M. Hanlon
John F. Henning
Hon. Martin J. Jenkins
Hon. Kathleen A. Kelly
Hon. Anthony M. Kennedy
Hon. Donald B. King
Floyd A. Lotito, O.F.M.
Stephen T. Lanctot
Hon. Eugene F. Lynch
Hon. Leo T. McCarthy
John M. McGuckin, Jr.
William H. McInernery, Sr.
J. Dennis McQuaid
John J. Meehan
Thomas J. Mellon
Martin D. (“Pete”) Murphy
Hon. John T. Noonan, Jr.
Hon. Edward A. Panelli
Hon. Joanne C. Parrilli
Eugene C. Payne III
Archbishop John R. Quinn
Hon. Timothy A. Reardon
Joseph P. Russoniello
Hon. Kevin V. Ryan
Hon. Peter J. Siggins
Thomas F. Smegal, Jr.
Hon. Raymond L. Sullivan
John A. Sutro
William F. Terheyden
Fr. Louie Vitale, OFM
Bernard J. Ward, Sr.
Hon. Raymond D. Williamson, Jr.