September 8, 2006

Bishop Kmiec to celebrate Red Mass

Bishop Edward Kmiec will be the principal celebrant and homilist at the annual Red Mass that will be held at St. Joseph Cathedral, 50 Franklin Street in Buffalo, on Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 12:05 p.m.

The Honorable Carl L. Bucki, Bankruptcy Judge for the Western District of New York, will offer remarks at the close of the Mass on behalf of the judiciary. Area judges, lawyers and public officials of all faiths, their staffs and all members of the community are encouraged to attend. As in past years, area judges and justices, dressed in their judicial robes, are invited to participate in the opening procession with the bishop that will begin in the Lady Chapel.

The Red Mass is named for the color of the vestments worn by the celebrants and is offered each September at the cathedral to invoke divine guidance and strength for those entrusted with the responsibility of the legal and judicial systems. The custom originated in France in the 13th century. The English Courts adopted the tradition in 1310 when it was celebrated at Westminster Abbey. It was first celebrated in the United States occurred in 1928 in New York City.

The St. Thomas More Guild, an organization for Catholic lawyers in the Diocese of Buffalo, sponsors the Red Mass.

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Information about the St. Thomas More Guild is available from its president, John Aman, at 845-7462.