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What is the Red Mass

  • The Red Mass is a traditionally celebrated at the opening of the legal year. 
  • Its purpose is to invoke God’s guidance, wisdom and justice—for judges, lawyers, magistrates, and others in the legal profession. 
  • The name “Red Mass” comes from the red vestments the clergy wear, symbolising the tongues of fire at Pentecost.

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Origins of the Tradition

  • The tradition goes back to medieval Europe. One of its early forms was celebrated by the Roman Rota (the tribunal of the Holy See) to mark the commencement of ecclesiastical and juridical sessions. The Mass was adapted into Australian practice in the early 20th century—Sydney’s St Mary’s held Red Masses from the 1930s (often cited as beginning in 1931 for regular practice in some dioceses).
  • In England, Red Masses have been held since around AD 1310, aligned with the opening of certain court terms (e.g. Hilary, Easter, Trinity, Michaelmas terms).

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The Red Mass in Melbourne

  • Melbourne’s Red Mass is held each year at St Patrick’s Cathedral. 
  • In addition to the Archbishop and Dean of the Cathedral, the concelebrating priests are often canon (Church) lawyers and civil lawyer (some still practising).
  • Attendees typically include judges, magistrates, barristers, members of parliament, legal profession staff, and other officials. They often wear ceremonial robes and wigs, and medals, especially for the procession. 
  • After the Mass, there is usually a morning tea in the presbytery grounds of the Cathedral for those present. 
  • The first recorded Red Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne attended by “wigged and gowned lawyers” appears in The Herald (Melbourne) on 5 February 1938 — the article reports it was the first time the legal profession had joined in a Red Mass in that cathedral. 

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Red Mass 2026

  • The Red Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, 27 January 2026 at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne.