The custom of a special Mass for the Bench and Bar arose principally in England, France, and Italy in the early 13th century. In certain localities of France, the Red Mass was held in honor of St. Ives, the Patron Saint of Lawyers, who was born in Brittany in 1253.
The Red Mass was so named because of the bright red vestments worn by the celebrants of the Mass. The color red symbolizes the presence of the Holy Spirit as tongues of fire. During those early years, participating jurists wore red robes as well. Today, many judges wear their contemporary black judicial robes during the Mass, and members of the law faculty wear robes from their respective schools of law.
The University of Detroit first celebrated the Red Mass on Friday, September 7, 1877, the year the University opened. Faculty and students joined together to ask for the blessing of the Holy Spirit on the coming year's work. Since the School of Law opened in 1912, the law faculty and students have convened the Red Mass annually on the Riverfront Campus in Ss. Peter and Paul's Church.
The Red Mass reflects the University's Roman Catholic heritage and identity. It presents an opportunity for the School of Law to join with judges, lawyers, law students, and others in the City of Detroit's justice system to reflect on fundamental values and responsibilities that come with the privilege of belonging to the legal profession. Each year, the Renewal of the Lawyer's Oath of Commitment is lead by a member of the judiciary. The Oath connects the request for spiritual guidance with the common goal of fostering justice in our community.
The contents of this collection derive from materials produced by the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in preparation for its annual Red Mass celebrations. The physical materials include Mass programs and invitations from 1989 through 2019. Photographs of the 2014 Red Mass are included in CD-ROM format. Materials are arranged in folders by year. Also included in this guide are articles from Law Journals, Newspapers, and some of the digital materials produced by Detroit Mercy Law to promote these events. It is anticipated that this collection may expand as materials from additional years are donated. Physical materials can be viewed in person. Inquiries may be sent to lawlibrary@udmercy.edu