Our Lady of Mount Carmel hosts inaugural Red Mass

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Doylestown, hosted a Red Mass on Tuesday, Oct. 5.
The Principal Celebrant was the Most Rev. Michael J. Fitzgerald, auxiliary bishop of Philadelphia. Fitzgerald is both a canon and civil lawyer, and he oversees Catholic Education throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
The Red Mass enjoys a rich history. Originating centuries ago in Rome, Paris and London, its name also exemplifies the scarlet robes worn by royal judges who attended the Mass centuries ago. The Red Mass historically marked the official opening of the judicial year.

In the United States, the Red Mass tradition was inaugurated in 1928 at old Saint Andrew’s Church in New York City. Since then, the Red Mass has been celebrated increasingly in communities throughout the United States.
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel’s inaugural Red Mass provided an opportunity to pray with and for judges, attorneys and all who are responsible for administering justice in Bucks County, and all people of goodwill were invited to join the OLMC community in prayer.