A tradition steeped in the mystery of the Middle Ages was repeated in San Antonio Thursday evening.
Texas Public Radio’s Eileen Pace reports it was a solemn ceremony at San Fernando Cathedral….to seek God’s blessings on those involved with the legal profession and the administration of justice.
It’s hard to imagine a ritual spanning almost 700 years across several continents, but the ancient “Red Mass” celebrated for the 63rd time in San Antonio is thought to be much the same as it was the beginning.
a solemn procession of almost 100 participants made their way into the cathedral – federal judges, appellate court judges, state and local courts, plus legislators, attorneys, court reporters, and others, led by priests cloaked in deep red vestments:
The association is general said to be the tongues of fire representing the Holy Spirit that inspired the Apostles.
The first Red Mass more likely had fewer participants, but Professor Vincent Johnson of St. Mary's School of Law says the early history is sketchy.
The early history is dim and we don’t have many details it seems like the first was in Paris at 1245. At least by 1310 Red Mass was celebrated in England. It’s hard to know where that would have been, whether it was Westminster in London or Canterbury Cathedral or York Cathedral. But back in the 1200s and 1300s is where the tradition begins.
Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller delivered a purposeful homily, speaking of the prophet Malachi who said ‘the sun of justice with its healing rays will arise’ on those who are in a right relationship with God.
Rosie Gonzalez, a child welfare law specialist who sees tough cases where children have suffered abuse and neglect, was uplifted.
I think this type of mass refocuses our energies in a positive fashion when we’re feeling a little downtrodden and a little defeated, it reminds us that there’s a bigger purpose for us, that it’s not just that one individual issue or problem but we’re doing work for a much better and bigger cause.
You know, for me, I’m Greek Orthodox, and we have a very similar mass and liturgical tradition.
Capt. Jeffrey Kyle with the U.S. Army JAG Corps carried the U.S. flag in the procession. It was his first Red Mass.
But for me it rings back the idea that we livein a free country that allows us to worship the way that we want to.
Does it give you perspective on administering justice?
Absolutely. It talked about justice as something we pursue, it’s not just a word, that it means a lot for our clients.
Some historians say that in the Middle Ages the Red Mass was celebrated all across Europe.
Professor Johnson says Red Mass is celebrated in England and Scotland, in Australia, in many places in Canada and probably in other countries that have the English Commonlaw tradition
It’s a time when adversaries come together. The Red Mass Is focused on the nobility of the legal enterprise, the dignity of the individual and the importance of the rule of law.
Former legislator and Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson was reminded that fairness and justice is not just for judges to remember as they decide cases – but also for attorneys to …pay it forward to their clients.
And you try to share with them a bigger picture of what life should be about. We’re not just attorneys, we’re counselors at law, which means lift the people up, send them off better than they were when they met you.
