33rd Annual Red Mass of Orange County

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange and the St. Thomas More Society will host the annual Red Mass at Christ Cathedral on Monday, October 4, 2021 at 7:00 pm (Please kindly note NEW TIME)

The first recorded Red Mass was celebrated in the Cathedral of Paris in 1245. In certain localities of France, the Red Mass was celebrated in honor of Saint Ives, the Patron Saint of Lawyers. From there, it spread to most European countries. The tradition began in England around 1310, during the reign of Edward II. It was attended at the opening of each term of Court by all members of the Bench and Bar. Today the Red Mass is celebrated annually

In keeping with our country’s rich tradition of religious freedom and diversity, the Red Mass has continued in the United States. The first Red Mass in the U.S.A. was held at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Detroit in 1877.  Each year in Washington, D.C., the members of the United States Supreme Court join the President and members of Congress in celebration of the Red Mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew at the opening of the judicial year.  The Red Mass is also celebrated in Sacramento and most other state capitals and major cities throughout the United States.

The St. Thomas More Society of Orange County celebrated its first Red Mass in Orange County in 1988 with many jurists and members of the Bar actively participating. The Red Mass has become as much a tradition here as it is throughout the United States and other parts of the world.

This year we are honored to welcome The Most Reverend Kevin Vann, DD, JCD and seek his blessing on the dedication and mission of our local legal community as we seek to strengthen our resolve in the upcoming judicial session.  We look forward to sharing a meal with Bishop Vann at the St. Thomas More Society dinner after the Red Mass where we will acknowledge exemplary work of some of Orange County’s catholic legal professionals. 

His Excellency

The Most Reverend Kevin W. Vann, JCD, DD

Bishop of Orange 

Celebrant

Rev. Quan Tran

Homilist 

Attendees will enjoy a boxed light supper prepared by the chefs at White House Catering.

Outdoor seating will be available to attendees who wish to enjoy fellowship following the Mass, or may take their dinner "to go" compliments of our generous sponsors.

Donations will be graciously accepted at the event, or can be made here.