The 55th annual Red Mass, celebrating the San Antonio legal community and inviting blessing on the judicial year, is slated for Thursday, Oct. 25 at San Fernando Cathedral, 115 Main Plaza.

Archbishop José Gomez is scheduled to be the principal celebrant with the Rev. John A. Leies, S.M., S.Th.D., president emeritus and professor of theology at St. Mary’s University, delivering the homily and Judge Barbara Hervey, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, reflecting on the importance of this occasion to the legal profession.

During the liturgy, there will be a time of prayer for the homeless and the legal practitioners, public officials and citizens who work to address their plight through innovative and holistic approaches, including the establishment of the Homeless Court, Homeless Haven and the mayor’s hunger and homelessness initiatives.

With the Main Plaza construction, the solemn procession of the judges in their robes and members of San Antonio legal organizations carrying their banners is to begin in front of the Justice Carlos Cadena Courthouse and process into the Cathedral at 6:00 p.m.

A reception will follow at the Plaza Club in the Frost Bank Building.

Red Mass dates back to 1245. 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.

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