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CHARLES WIDGER SCHOOL OF LAW

Red Mass 2021, 10/1

VSL_20170908_042

Friday, October 1
6:00 p.m.
St. Thomas of Villanova Church

Join the Villanova Law community for the annual Red Mass with University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, ’75 CLAS as celebrant. This year’s celebration will be held on Friday, October 1, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.

A Villanova tradition for over 60 years, Red Mass provides an opportunity for faculty, alumni, students, families and guests to celebrate the beginning of the Law School’s academic year. The first Red Mass was offered in 1310 during the reign of King Edward I in Westminster Abbey to mark the opening of the judicial year. Since then, Red Mass has been celebrated to invoke the guidance of the Holy Spirit for all those who seek justice. The ceremony’s traditional name is derived from the color of vestments worn by the celebrant and concelebrants, the scarlet robes of judges in attendance, and the scarlet gowns of the members of the law faculty. Villanova has held Red Mass since 1957.

A complimentary reception will be held immediately following Red Mass at Scarpa Hall. No RSVP is necessary.

Villanova University will continue to monitor local and national public health and safety guidelines, which may necessitate some changes to schedules, physical spaces and events to ensure the health of everyone on campus. For more information, please see the COVID-19 Campus Information.