The Diocese of Corpus Christi joins many throughout the United States and the world who celebrate this tradition annually at the opening of the judicial year to emphasize the legal profession’s vital role in promoting justice and peace.

This year's Red Mass will take place on October 18, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at the Corpus Christi Cathedral. Dr. Amelia J. Uelmen will serve as Keynote Speaker for the evening. The Most Reverend Michael Mulvey, Bishop of Corpus Christi, will preside and concelebrate the Mass with Priests of the Diocese of Corpus Christi. A reception will follow across the street at 555 N Carancahua St, Tower II building, Corpus Christi, TX, in the first floor atrium. All are welcome. Please RSVP using the form at the bottom of the page. The deadline to RSVP is October 9, 2023. 

For questions regarding Red Mass please contact Olivia Rodriguez at [email protected] or (361) 882-6191 ext. 675

The Red Mass is a special service attended by local judges, elected officials, lawyers, and members of the public, calling upon God as the supreme law giver for His guidance and blessings on the administration of justice and those whose duty it is to teach, judge, and resolve legal matters. The Mass also encourages participants to reflect upon the God-given power and responsibility of all in the legal profession.

The first recorded Red Mass was celebrated in Paris in 1245. From there, it spread to most European countries. In 1310, during the reign of Edward II, the tradition began in England where the Mass was celebrated at Westminster Abbey and served as the official opening of the Judicial Year. It received its name from the fact that the celebrants’ vestments and the robes of the High Judges of the English Court and all doctors of law traditionally were red in symbolism of the Holy Spirit.

The Red Mass was first celebrated in the United States in 1877, and today is celebrated in most dioceses throughout our country. The celebration of this Mass promotes the unity of the judiciary and legal profession.