As you know the Red Mass was originally scheduled to be celebrated on November 10, 2022, but had to be canceled due to the approaching Hurricane Nicole. The Red Mass will now be celebrated on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 12:10 P.M. at St. James Cathedral, 215 North Orange Avenue, in Orlando. On behalf of Bishop Noonan and the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Central Florida, Inc. attached please find the invite for the Red Mass on January 26th.

All judges, as well as their staff, and all serving in the legal community, particularly in the Ninth and 18th Circuits and the U.S. Middle District of Florida are invited to attend.  We anticipate judges from Orange County and Seminole County, as well as from Federal Court and the 5th and 6th DCAs to attend wearing their robes.  It is great to have a large showing of Christian Lawyers, and others who work in the legal field, attend to pray together for all lawyers and judges. Many lawyers and others who work in the legal systems wear the color red to the Red Mass and all faiths and denominations are welcome and encouraged to attend.

The history of the Red Mass which originated in France in the early 13th century as a service in which God was called upon to help lawyers and judges adhere to truth and justice.  The tradition soon spread to England, where, during the reign of King Edward I, the entire Bench and Bar would mark the opening of each Term of Court by attending a Mass together.  In those services, the priest-celebrants, as well as the judges of the High Court, wore red robes to signify their willingness to defend the truth inspired by the Holy Spirit, even at the cost of shedding one’s blood. Thus, the celebration became popularly known as the “Red Mass.”

Free parking is available in the MAA Garage located near State Lane on West Robinson Street, approximately one-half block west of the Cathedral. Parking spaces for St. James are clearly identified. We hope you can join in celebration at the Red Mass.

If you have any questions, contact any of the following persons, who are currently serving as Directors of the Catholic Lawyers Guild:

            Leticia Diaz, ldiaz@barry.edu
            Anne-Marie Bowen, ambowen@bowenbankruptcylaw.com
            Carmine Bravo, carmine@carminembravo.com
            Betty Wheeler, ewheeler@ewheelerpa.com
            Ann Marie Gilden, amgilden@annmariegildenlaw.com
            Matthew Gripp, matthewg@scbalas.com