Red Mass 2020, 10/2

Friday, October 2, 2020
7:00 p.m.
Virtual Event

Join the Villanova Law community for the annual Red Mass with University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, ’75 CLAS as celebrant. Due to the ongoing pandemic, this year’s celebration will be held virtually on Friday, October 2 at 7:00 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. While typically a time to gather in-person, this year, Villanova Law invites our community to come together virtually.

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 link to view this year’s Red Mass will be made available on this web page and will also be available to view after the event.