The 27th annual Red Mass in the Diocese of Fall River is scheduled for 4 p.m. Oct. 4. The event will take place at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Fall River, according to a community announcement. Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will be principal celebrant and homilist.
The Red Mass is a tradition that dates back to 13th-century Europe. It is named for the red vestments worn by the celebrants and is intended to invoke guidance and strength for those working in law and justice.
Judges, attorneys, court personnel and others in the justice system from Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands are invited to attend.
A unique aspect of the Red Mass in the Diocese of Fall River is the presentation of the St. Thomas More Medallions. These awards recognize members of the legal community for their dedicated service.
This year, the recipients include Judge Katherine A. Field, First Justice of the Bristol County Probate and Family Court; Stephen W. Marshalek, Chief of the Southeastern Division of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office; Donald J. Chausse Jr., Chief Probation Officer of the Bristol County Third District Court in New Bedford; and Judge Richard T. Moses, retired from the Bristol County Superior Court.
The awardees were nominated by the Red Mass planning committee, led by New Bedford attorney Michael J. Harrington.
The Red Mass is open to the public. A reception and dinner will follow the Mass, but tickets are required for the reception. For more information about the Red Mass and the reception, contact Red Mass Committee Chairman Attorney Michael J. Harrington at 508-994-5900 or by email at harringtonpc@aol.com.
This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: St. Thomas More Medallions to spotlight four at Red Mass
