Monday, October 3, 2011

Red Mass - An Overview

The Red Mass 2011 now recedes into another memory. The Mass presents the pageantry, the majesty, the ceremony of the Roman Catholic liturgical tradition in the splendor of hope, goodwill, and love. The beauty of any Mass begins with the congregation, with the involvement, with the interaction of the congregation. The Red Mass provides a spiritual moment presented splendidly with music, prayers, and a hint of patriotism.

The Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle had a standing room only crowd attending this Mass. The Red Mass presents a great introduction to the grandeur and simplicity that is Catholic worship. Hearing the voices of the congregation resonate with tenderness, with a melodiousness, so gentle, so angelic inspiring thoughts of God, thoughts of love, thoughts of hope.

The Red Mass was held at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle on Sunday October 2. The Mass was scheduled to begin at 10:00 A.M. Donald Cardinal Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, was the Principal Celebrant. The Most Reverend J. Peter Sartain, Archbishop of Seattle was the Homilist.

The Red Mass is held each year before the Supreme Court session begins. This is a time to offer prayers for justice, for hope, for the well being of our country.

The Red Mass provides a glimpse of the living God, of the continued call for each Christian to make informed decisions based upon the Beatitudes and other teachings of Christ. The Red Mass is a moment when religion and government, when church and state meet, acknowledge each other, and share a moment of hope, a moment of prayer.

The First Reading was Kings 3:11 - 14. The Second Reading was Phillippians 4:6-9. The Gospel was Luke 12:35-44.

Washington Symphonie Brass accompanied the Cathedral of Saint Matthew Schola Cantorum.

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