The Erie County Bar Association hosted the Red Mass celebrated on Monday, October 18, 20121 at 5:15pm by the Most Reverend Lawrence T. Persico, JCL, Bishop of Erie, at the Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel. There was a dinner immediately following the Mass in Gannon University’s Yehl Alumni Room. The after-dinner speaker, Fr. Nicholas J. Rough, STD, Episcopal Vicar for Clergy-Diocese of Erie. He spoke on “Defending the Church Today: Insights from Saint John Henry Newman.”
Red Mass is a historic tradition dating back to the thirteenth century when it officially opened the term of court for most European countries. It is called “Red Mass” for the color of the vestments worn by the celebrants, signifying the fire of the Holy Spirit.
The Red Mass is celebrated for judges, lawyers, and government officials as an opportunity to reflect on what Catholics believe is the God-given power and responsibility of those in the legal profession. This is the one time during the year when members of the legal profession convene as one to celebrate their profession and to ask God’s guidance through-out the year ahead.
Readers: The Honorable Stephanie Domitrovich, The Honorable Alfred Benedict, and Sr. Catherine Murphy, FSO. Presentation of the Gifts: The Honorable William Morgan and Mrs. Peggy Morgan. Server: Atty. John Fessler.
Comments