Red Mass

---

---

Seattle University School of Law's annual celebration of Red Mass on October 6, 2011, served as a special evening to honor Justice Mary E. Fairhurst, together with her judicial colleagues and other members of the legal and SU Law communities, for her steadfast commitment to justice.

At the Red Mass Reception, Professor from Practice John McKay announced the formation of the Justice Mary E. Fairhurst Public Interest Law Foundation Grant, which will be awarded in spring 2012. Should you wish to make an individual contribution to this named grant, please make an online gift today.

View a photo gallery online of this year's Red Mass celebration. We invite the community back to Seattle University next October to celebrate Red Mass 2012. 

---

The Story of Red Mass

Red Mass is a tradition dating back to 14th century England, when both priests and judges wore robes in the color of the ecclesiastical seasons and events. The color red is worn for this Mass as a symbol of the Holy Spirit and of our call and commitment to social justice in our work and academic endeavors.

Historically, the Red Mass was held in Westminster to celebrate the beginning of Michaelmas, the feast of St. Michael on September 29 or fall term of the King's Bench. The gathering was an occasion for pageantry and solemnity as judges, barristers, and members of Parliament invoked God's blessing and guidance for themselves and their profession. Today, Seattle University and its School of Law join many throughout the United States and the world who celebrate this tradition annually at the opening of the judicial year, to emphasize the legal profession's vital role in promoting justice and peace.

Red Mass at Seattle University

Last fall, on October 4, the Chapel of St. Ignatius on Seattle University's campus was at maximum capacity when more than 250 members of the community were welcomed to Red Mass by Dean Mark Niles. The procession of judges and faculty from Sullivan Hall filled the prominent center pews as a record crowd gathered to celebrate and pay tribute to a revered member of the community - The Honorable Charles V. Johnson (ret.) of the King County Superior Court.

"Convocation", a painting from the series A Fire in the Landscape by Barbara Earl Thomas, a local artist and the Executive Director of the Northwest African American Museum, was given to Seattle University School of Law in honor of Judge Johnson. Images from the Red Mass 2010 program can be viewed at the Red Mass Photo Gallery.

Red Mass 2009