October 6, 2026
Event brings together legal professionals of all faiths for tradition, reflection and prayer
The St. Mary’s University School of Law, in collaboration with the Archdiocese of San Antonio and the Catholic Lawyers’ Guild, will host the 74th annual Red Mass on Thursday, Oct. 22, 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 74th annual Red Mass, we continue the cherished tradition that calls upon the Holy Spirit to guide all who serve in the administration of justice,” said Patricia E. Roberts, J.D., St. Mary’s University School of Law Dean and Charles E. Cantú Distinguished Professor of Law. “At a time when public confidence in our institutions is increasingly tested, Red Mass reminds us that the law is a vocation that demands wisdom, humility and a steadfast commitment to the dignity of every person. Through our shared dedication to justice and the rule of law, we can help foster trust, strengthen our communities and advance the common good.”
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.
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 74th annual Red Mass, we are mindful that for the past 174 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 74 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.