Inside Seton Hall Law’s Red Mass Tradition

Amid the rich scarlet hues of tradition and the solemnity of a centuries-old ritual, the Red Mass calls upon the legal community to pause, reflect, and seek divine wisdom as a new judicial year begins. Seton Hall Law and the St. Thomas More Society are proud to host the 40th Annual Red Mass on Friday, September 27th at 4 p.m. The Mass will honor St. Thomas More Medal recipients Kevin G. Walsh '98 and Noreen M. Giblin '98 and invoke God's blessings on those in the legal profession.

The first Red Mass was celebrated at the Cathedral of Paris in 1245. Named after the red vestments worn by celebrants and the scarlet robes of judges, the ceremony inspires justice and integrity within the profession. The tradition spread to England in 1310, where it was held in Westminster Abbey, and later to the United States, with the first American Red Mass held at Old St. Andrew's Church in New York City in 1928.

Seton Hall's involvement began in 1984 when a small group of professors, students, and lawyers in the Archdiocese of Newark decided to bring the Red Mass to their community. The first local Mass was held in a law school classroom, followed by a modest "brown bag" social. Since 1986, the committee has awarded the prestigious St. Thomas More Medal to lawyers who demonstrate professional excellence and embody the Catholic faith, recognizing their contributions to the field of law and the broader community.

Today, the Red Mass provides faculty, alumni, students, families, and guests an opportunity to celebrate the start of the Law School's academic year. It is a tradition that connects people of all faiths to seek divine guidance in their academic and professional careers.

Fr. Nicholas Gengaro, Chaplain of Seton Hall Law School and coordinator of the Red Mass in the Archdiocese of Newark, shared his personal connection to the event:

I first attended the Red Mass in 1998, three days after my appointment as Chaplain. By then, the Mass was on a Sunday morning in the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart presided over by the Archbishop of Newark, followed by breakfast at the Mayfair Farms, a banquet venue popular in church circles. Asked afterwards what I thought of the experience, I remember saying that I had just been with a group of people "used to being listened to." I would learn over the years that social gatherings of lawyers serve many purposes. Red Mass is no exception.

At a Red Mass Committee meeting 20 years ago, a long-time participant declared, "We need to make this event a 'must attend' for the legal community in the state." In my view, through the dedication of the committee members and especially the hard work and talent of Lori Gallo, Senior Director of Alumni Relations Programming, that aspiration has become a reality. For many lawyers in New Jersey- Catholic and non-Catholic-the annual Red Mass signals the start of a new year on the legal calendar entrusted to the wisdom and inspiration of a higher authority, the source of order in the universe and the measure of justice in the affairs of humanity. And it is a good time to reconnect with colleagues.

The Red Mass acts as a powerful reminder of the legal profession's commitment to promoting the common good through shared purpose and reflection. Students are especially encouraged to attend the Mass and Reception, where they can experience the beauty of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart and connect with prominent New Jersey attorneys. The Mass offers students a unique moment of spiritual, personal, and professional growth.

Join us for the 40th Annual Red Mass Celebration on Friday, September 27th at 4 Register here: https://events.shu.edu/law/event/35124-40th-annual-red-mass.

Categories: Alumni