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CV NEWS FEED // Just before the Supreme Court begins its new term, Cardinal Wilton Gregory will celebrate the 72nd annual Red Mass in Washington, D.C., this weekend to pray for legal, judiciary, and government professionals.
On October 6, the pre-Mass ceremony will begin at 8:45 a.m. ET, followed by the Red Mass at 9 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, according to a news release from the Archdiocese of Washington.
“The annual Mass invokes God’s guidance and blessing on justices, judges, diplomats, attorneys, and government officials,” the news release states.
Cardinal Gregory of the Archdiocese of Washington will be the Mass’ principal celebrant, and Deacon Darryl Kelley, a lawyer and former legislator for Maryland, will give the homily.
Pope Innocent IV started the tradition of the Red Mass in 1245. CatholicVote previously reported: “The color red is traditionally associated with the Holy Spirit and martyrdom. At the Red Mass, participants ask God to grant them the gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as wisdom and fortitude, in their work.”
According to the news release, the John Carroll Society, which is hosting the liturgy along with the Archdiocese of Washington, will present Pro Bono Legal Awards at a brunch after the Mass to several legal officials who have furthered the mission of the Catholic Charities legal network through pro bono support.
The Mass will be livestreamed here.
The Supreme Court term begins on the first Monday of October and concludes in late June or early July, according to the Court’s website.
This term, the Court is poised to hear three cases that have the potential to affect the physical and mental health of children and young people under 18. The issues addressed in these cases include pornography access, puberty blockers, “transgender” surgeries for minors, and marketing of flavored e-cigarettes.
