Legal professions’ Red Mass Oct. 3 in Geneva

Submitted by St. Peter Church

All 16th Judicial Circuit judges, attorneys, their spouses, and law enforcement officers are invited to attend the third annual Red Mass at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, at St. Peter Church, 1891 Kaneville Road, Geneva.

It will be celebrated by the Rev. Martins C. Emeh. Light refreshments will be served after Mass. Others are also welcome to attend the Mass.

The Red Mass is a traditional ceremony with a long and rich history. It dates back to the 13th century when it officially opened the court term in most European countries. The Red Mass is attended by judges, lawyers and politicians of all faiths. They gather to ask God to bless, strengthen and enlighten all civic and religious leaders, servants of the law, and people of faith, so that in cooperation and mutual trust, they may more effectively achieve a just and free society.

Members of the legal profession from all denominations as well as law enforcement officers traditionally attend the Red Mass. The Mass invokes the help of the Holy Spirit of God as the source of wisdom, understanding, counsel and fortitude, gifts that must shine forth pre-eminently in the dispensing of justice in the courtroom and in the individual lawyer’s practice.

This tradition was introduced into the United States in 1928 at the Church of St. Andrew, in New York City. Cardinal Patrick Hayes presided, and encouraged the involvement of the legal community in spreading God’s message of hope and advancing justice and harmony. The celebrants process into the church clothed in red vestments, together with politicians, lawyers and judges, signifying the fire of God’s spiritual guidance to all who pursue justice in their daily lives.

For details, call Lynn Wilson, director of liturgy, at (630) 232-0124, ext. 112.