Catholic Lawyers' Guild of Boston Invites The Public To Attend The Red Mass And Luncheon

Keynote Speaker At Luncheon Scheduled To Be Human Rights Advocate Congressman Chris Smith

Continuing a time-honored tradition that dates back to the 13th century, The Catholic Lawyers' Guild of Boston will come together to host its annual Red Mass and Luncheon on Sunday, September 30.

Honoring the official start of the judicial year, The Red Mass will be celebrated at The Cathedral of the Holy Cross, 1400 Washington Street in Boston, at 11:30 AM. The Luncheon will follow at 1 PM at The Seaport Hotel, One Seaport Lane in Boston. (Discounted validated parking will be available at the hotel.)

Named for the majestic red vestments worn by the celebrants, The Red Mass is traditionally attended by judges, lawyers and court officials of all faiths asking God to bless, strengthen and enlighten all servants of the law and all people of faith so that justice may be achieved in the spirit of cooperation and mutual trust. (Doctors, nurses and health care professionals traditionally seek strength and enlightenment by participating in a White Mass.    Police officers and those who work in public safety attend a Blue Mass.)

His Eminence, Cardinal Seán Patrick O'Malley, O.F.M., Cap, will celebrate the Red Mass and offer a homily.

Keynote Speaker at the Luncheon is scheduled to be Congressman Chris Smith of New Jersey, who serves as co-chairman of the Congressional Bipartisan Pro-Life Caucus, authored the $265 million Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act, and includes among his many achievements the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (which protects women and children from being trafficked into the sex trade and labor market). Congressman Smith's commitment to protecting unborn children and their mothers is a vital component of his human rights agenda.

The Guild welcomes and encourages the general public to attend both the Red Mass and the subsequent Luncheon. The Red Mass is free and open to the public. Tickets to the Luncheon are available for $125.00 per person ($75 per person for law students and young lawyers having five or fewer years admitted to the Bar) by visiting www.clgb.org. For information, call 617-722-8100.

A HISTORY OF THE RED MASS
Marked by centuries of tradition, The Red Mass dates back to 1245 at the Chapel of Sainte Chapelle in Paris. Sixty years later, The Red Mass was celebrated in England during the reign of Edward I. In honor of The Holy Spirit, majestic red vestments were worn by all participants. The veritable sea of red that resulted became known as The Red Mass.

The Red Mass has been celebrated internationally from Rome to Paris, Canada, Ireland, Scotland and The Philippines. One of the largest Red Masses is held annually in Washington, D.C. on the Sunday before the Supreme Court convenes on the first Monday in October.

The Red Mass was first celebrated in Boston in 1941 at the Immaculate Conception Church, under the auspices of Cardinal O’Connell and the Boston College Law School.

THE CATHOLIC LAWYERS' GUILD OF BOSTON
Established in 1987, The Catholic Lawyers' Guild of Boston fosters a sense of wisdom, community and guidance to Catholic lawyers as they apply their faith to the ever-changing challenges of professional versus personal life.   The Guild is dedicated both to furthering the highest ethical standards in the practice of law and championing service in society.

With access to a wealth of experience, membership in the Guild allows for senior professionals to serve as mentors and provide guidance to younger lawyers. The Guild also cultivates a rich forum in which both judges and lawyers may meet on a level playing field to discuss issues of faith.

Encouraging members to live their faith within their professions with courage and reason, The Guild is open to anyone in the legal field from law school students to the most experienced lawyers. Recognized by the Archdiocese of Boston, The Guild also assists the Cardinal Archbishop in his work within the community.

Current leadership of The Catholic Lawyers' Guild of Boston includes: President, the Honorable Joseph Nolan; and Vice Presidents, the Honorable Maura S. Doyle and Paul J. McNamara, Esq. The Very Rev. Mark O'Connell serves as the organization's Spiritual Director.

What:
The Red Mass & Red Mass Luncheon

Hosted by:
The Catholic Lawyers' Guild of Boston

When:
The Red Mass
11:30 a.m. at The Cathedral Of The Holy Cross  • 1400 Washington Street in Boston.

The Luncheon
1 p.m. at The Seaport Hotel  •  One Seaport Lane in Boston  (Discounted validated parking will be available at the hotel.)

Scheduled Guest Speaker at the Luncheon:
Congressman Chris Smith of New Jersey

Cost:
The Luncheon
$125 per person  • $75 per person for law students and young lawyers having five or fewer years admitted to the Bar.

Reservations:
www.clgb.org
or call 617-722-8100 for information.