Red Mass 2017

A Villanova tradition over the last 60 years, Red Mass provides an opportunity for faculty, alumni, students, families and guests to gather and 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.

The Villanova University School of Law community will come together for its annual celebration of Red Mass on Friday, Sept. 8, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. with University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, ’75 CLAS as celebrant and Rev. Robert P. Hagan, OSA, JD as homilist.

A reception will be held immediately following Red Mass at the Arthur M. Goldberg '66 Commons. No RSVP necessary.