STEPHEN V. SUNDBORG, S.J.
PRESIDENT
SEATTLE UNIVERSITY
and
SEATTLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW
cordially invite you to celebrate
RED MASS
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
5:30 p.m. • The Chapel of St. Ignatius • Seattle University
with
THE MOST REVEREND J. PETER SARTAIN
ARCHBISHOP OF SEATTLE
Seattle University School of Law is proud to honor the contributions of our alumni,
the bench, bar, legislators, law students and other members of the legal and
legislative communities. Join us for this traditional annual
blessing of the compelling work we are called to do in society.
JOIN US FOR A RECEPTION
IN SULLIVAN HALL FOLLOWING THE MASS
featuring an address by
ANNETTE E. CLARK
Dean and Professor of Law
As space is limited, RSVP by September 24
to rsvplawalumni@seattleu.edu or 206.398.4600.
Members of the judiciary who wish to take part in the processional
are asked to wear their judicial robes.
THE STORY OF RED MASS
Red Mass is a tradition dating back to 14th century England, when both priests and judges wore robes in the color of the ecclesiastical seasons and events. The color red is worn for this Mass as a symbol of the Holy Spirit and of our call and commitment to social justice in our work and academic endeavors.
Historically, the Red Mass was held in Westminster to celebrate the beginning of Michaelmas, the feast of St. Michael on September 29 or fall term of the King’s Bench. The gathering was an occasion for pageantry and solemnity as judges, barristers, and members of Parliament invoked God’s blessing and guidance for themselves and their profession. Today, Seattle University and its School of Law join many throughout the United States and the world who celebrate this tradition annually at the opening of the judicial year, to emphasize the legal profession’s vital role in promoting justice and peace.
To view additional information or images of past celebrations, visit theRed Mass webpage
