Photos courtesy of Alphonsus Fok / Diocese of Parramatta.

The Red Mass is a longstanding Catholic tradition dating back to the 13th century, marking the opening of the legal year and invoking the guidance of the Holy Spirit upon those working in the administration of justice.

Members of the Order of Malta Australia were honoured to be invited to process with members of the clergy at the Red Mass is Parramatta at St Patrick’s Cathedral on 3 February. The mass was celebrated by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, the Bishop of Parramatta and was well attended by judges, lawyers, and officials praying for guidance from the Holy Spirit for the legal profession.

The Red Mass is so named because the officiating clergy wear red vestments to symbolize the “tongues of fire” of the Holy Spirit descending on the Apostles at Pentecost. It also historically refers to the scarlet, red robes worn by royal judges in England and other parts of Europe who attended the service, a tradition that began in the 13th century to mark the opening of the judicial year.

A copy of the homily from the Red Mass, preached by Fr Robert Riedling, Dean and Administrator of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, is available for download.

Red Mass – Homily