The St. Mary’s University School of Law, in collaboration with the Archdiocese of San Antonio and the Catholic Lawyers’ Guild, will host the 73rd annual Red Mass on Thursday, Oct. 16, at San Fernando Cathedral. This time-honored tradition serves as a spiritual gathering for the San Antonio legal community, signaling the start of the judicial year. 

“As we gather for the 73rd annual Red Mass, this cherished tradition takes on special meaning in our time of deep ideological divisions,” said Patricia E. Roberts, J.D., St. Mary’s University School of Law Dean and Charles E. Cantú Distinguished Professor of Law. “Red Mass reminds us that our commitment to justice transcends political boundaries, and that we, as legal professionals, have both the opportunity and obligation to demonstrate that justice unites rather than divides us. This gathering affirms that despite our differences, we can come together to heal our communities and strengthen the Rule of Law that applies to all of us.” 

The evening begins at 5:45 p.m. with a ceremonial procession from Main Plaza to the Cathedral at 115 Main Plaza, during which legal professionals will march under vibrant red banners. The Mass begins at 6 p.m. and is open to all community members and all faiths. 

The Most Rev. Gustavo García-Siller, M.Sp.S., Archbishop of San Antonio, will serve as principal celebrant and homilist. Roberts will deliver the welcome remarks. 

For those unable to attend in person, the Red Mass will be livestreamed on Catholic Television. 

“From the founding of St. Mary’s in 1852 and the School of Law in 1927, the Marianists have always promoted the importance and necessity of justice in our world,” said the Rev. John Thompson, S.M., Ed.D., St. Mary’s University Vice President for Mission. “As we celebrate the 73rd annual Red Mass, we are mindful that for the past 173 years St. Mary’s has contributed to legal and social change in San Antonio and beyond. As we gather as a community of legal professionals, may we all be mindful of the need for a just interpretation of the law that promotes the dignity of all people regardless of race, gender, religion and socio-economic background. May our gathering touch hearts, change lives and promote openness among those who may think differently from ourselves. May the God of justice hear our prayers.” 

More about Red Mass 

The Red Mass tradition originated in 1245 in Europe, where members of the legal community would gather for Mass at the start of each judicial year. The event’s name refers to the red vestments worn by clergy, symbolizing the Holy Spirit, and the crimson robes worn by judges. Today, Red Mass is celebrated in legal communities across the U.S. to invoke God’s wisdom and blessings on the administration of justice. 

Revived by the St. Mary’s University School of Law and the Catholic Lawyers’ Guild 73 years ago, Red Mass continues to serve as a cornerstone event for the San Antonio legal community, bringing together judges, attorneys, lawmakers and other legal professionals from across the city and beyond. 

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