Red Mass

The judicial year in many jurisdictions around the world is traditionally opened with a Red Mass.

The celebration of the Mass is designed to provide judges, lawyers, civic leaders and academics of all faiths the opportunity to reflect on the powers and responsibilities that are part of their offices.

Together, Red Mass participants ask God to grant the virtues and gifts necessary for the proper and just administration of their duties.

The Red Mass name comes from the red vestments and garments that early legal participants wore on this occasion.

Fidelis Apparitor award

The award, which means “faithful servant” in Latin, is given to individuals who have been good and faithful servants of the law. It is awarded annually at the Red Mass.

Honorees are chosen by virtue of their exemplary service, outstanding competence and leadership, and their adherence to the directive in the Rule of Saint Benedict: “No one is to pursue what is judged better for oneself, but instead, what is judged better for someone else.”

Recipients

DePaul Willette, SJU '51
Retired attorney from Olivia, district court judge, member of the Minnesota Board of Judicial Standards and current legal assistance volunteer.
Diana Murphy
Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals
John Simonett, SJU '48
Former associate justice with the Minnesota Supreme Court