Red Mass marks opening of Supreme Court term in Washington

Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, led the annual Red Mass on Oct. 4 at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C. The ceremony, hosted by The John Carroll Society, marked the opening of the Supreme Court term and included more than 1,000 attendees, such as Supreme Court justices, public officials, and Vice President JD Vance.

During his homily, Broglio said seeking the wisdom of the Holy Spirit helps people fulfill their responsibilities in public affairs. He prayed that an understanding of God's commandments would inspire integrity and the promotion of harmony. The mass serves to pray for judges, attorneys, diplomats, and government leaders.

The event, which celebrated its 74th anniversary in Washington, featured clergy wearing red vestments to symbolize the tongues of fire of the Holy Spirit. This year's gathering included law students and faculty from Georgetown University and The Catholic University of America, following increased security measures implemented after a threat against Catholics and Supreme Court justices at the previous year's mass.