Red Mass offers prayers for legal and law enforcement communities

Bishop Edward Weisenburger celebrated the Red Mass on Friday, November 5, 2021 at St. Augustine Cathedral.

This particular celebration of the Mass of the Holy Spirit is rich in tradition, having originated with the Mass that marked the opening of Parliament in 13th Century England.

The traditional name of “The Red Mass” is derived from the color of the vestments worn by priests. Red is the liturgical color for the Holy Spirit, a reminder of the fire that is a symbol of God’s Holy Spirit. Also, attending judges in centuries past wore robes of bright scarlet, providing another connection of the Mass to those who serve people in the names of justice and governance.  

The Red Mass included recognition of members of the judicial community and the law enforcement community who embrace the spirit of St. Thomas More. The 2021 honorees are Mr. Mark Ralles, Esq. of the judicial community and Sergeant Jason Winsky of the Tucson Police Department, of the law enforcement community. Read more about Mark Ralles and Sgt. Jason Winsky.

In his homily, Bishop Edward Weisenburger said, "Jesus preached so many parables, challenging what we consider to be just and fair, and revealing that we really are called to go beyond just and fair - all the way to ridiculously generous, overwhelmingly merciful, and prodigal in our forgiveness."

Bishop Weisenburger concluded with, "Our prayer for you is that you may indeed find ways to extend the riches of God's mercy that infuse the justice of the world with a Gospel holiness."

Additionally the Judge John Roll Scholarship was presented to Shelby Aguallo and Nick Johnson, two University of Arizona Law students who have demonstrated the virtues embodied by the late Judge John Roll: commitment to the Church, scholarship, integrity, and courage.

The Red Mass was accompanied by 4th Degree Knights of Columbus as well as the Saint Thomas More Society of Southern Arizona, and Knights and Dames of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem.

PHOTOS OF THE 2021 RED MASS CAN BE VIEWED HERE.