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Diocese of las vegas Red mass
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The Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Vegas hosted the traditional Red Mass to honor and support those involved in the Judiciary system at Guardian Angel Cathedral at 6:00pm on Wednesday, September 17th, 2008. The Most Reverend Joseph A. Pepe, Bishop of the Diocese of Las Vegas, will be the celebrant. He will be joined by other priests from the Diocese and those who work in the diocesan Tribunal, which is the local representation of the Church's legal system.
According to Father Kevin McAuliffe, Vicar General of the Diocese of Las Vegas, the tradition of the Red Mass can be traced back to the year 1245 when the first recorded celebration of its kind took place at the Cathedral of Paris. The purpose of the Red Mass is to invoke the special guidance of the Holy Spirit for all those involved in the pursuit of justice at a professional level. This includes judges, defense and prosecution attorneys, officers and staff of local and national law enforcement agencies, and all elected and appointed officials who are entrusted with the fair and responsible administration of justice related issues. "The Red Mass was traditionally held at the opening of the term of the Court in most European countries just for this purpose," "We try to choose a date close to the Church's feast day honoring Saint Robert Bellarmine who not only was a great theologian, but also a brilliant civil lawyer, and who is a very fine role model for anyone in, or associated with the legal profession."
The Red Mass is so named because red vestments are worn by the bishop and priests during its celebration.
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These red vestments are symbolic of the purging, cleansing, and enlightening fire associated with the Holy Spirit that burns with zeal for the salvation of souls. Additionally, when Edward I, reigned as king of England from 272 to 1307, he began the tradition of the Red Mass during his reign, with the judges of the King's High Court and all doctors of the law wearing red robes or academic hoods to symbolize their profession.
During this year's Red Mass celebration two members of the local legal community, one member of the bench and one member of the bar, was honored for their service in the pursuit of justice. These honorees were the Honorable James C. Mahan, for his service to the Church through the administration of justice and Kathryne E. Landreth, Esq., for her exemplary service to thos in need.
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