Catholic legal community gathers for Red Mass, honors Justice Kavanaugh

Legal professionals gathered at the National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Sept. 26 for a Red Mass to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their work. During the service, United States Supreme Court Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh received the 2026 St. Thomas More Award.

The Diocese of Dallas St. Thomas More Society sponsored the event. Bishop Edward J. Burns celebrated the Mass alongside Bishop Michael F. Olson of the Diocese of Fort Worth. Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield, Illinois, served as the homilist. In his sermon, Bishop Paprocki spoke about the ethical dangers of euthanasia and explained that the red vestments used in the liturgy symbolize the fire of the Holy Spirit.