News Release

University of Detroit Mercy School of Law to celebrate annual Red Mass

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law will hold its annual Red Mass on Tuesday, September, 23, 2008 at noon. at Sts. Peter and Paul Jesuit Church. Each year, lawyers and judges come together asking God to inspire and guide their work in the legal profession. The Red Mass is also an opportunity for members of the legal community to renew the Lawyer’s Oath of Commitment, solemnly swearing to support the Constitution and laws of the United States and reaffirm their belief in human rights and equality of all, as proclaimed in the Bill of Rights. Members of the Michigan and federal judiciary, as well as School of Law alumni and members of the State Bar are invited.

The English tradition of the Red Mass was instituted circa 1310. At the opening of each term, the entire Bench and Bar attend this special Mass. The purpose of this Mass was to call upon God to grant guidance and inspiration to lawyers in their practice and judges in their adjudicating. In honor of the Holy Spirit, red vestments were worn for the Mass, hence the name. These Red Mass traditions still continue today.

Immediately following the Mass, a luncheon will be held at UDM School of Law. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, please visit the school web site and click on events.

For more information regarding upcoming events, please call or e-mail Kristen Kerr, Events Manager for the School of Law, at 313-596-0265 or kerrke@udmercy.edu.

Release date: August 15, 2008

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