Red Mass of the Holy Spirit

Florida's Catholic bishops continue the Red Mass tradition by inviting individuals who serve in the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government, as well as the legal profession, to join them in prayer and ask for the Lord's guidance in their service to the people of Florida. In Tallahassee, the Red Mass is celebrated annually during Catholic Days at the Capitol at the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More.

The Bishops of Florida will celebrate the 51st Annual Red Mass of the Holy Spirit at the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More on the evening of February 11, 2026. 

The Red Mass of the Holy Spirit, a nearly 800-year-old tradition, originated in France in the 13th century as a service in which God was called upon to guide lawyers and judges in their pursuit of justice. The tradition soon spread to England where, during the reign of King Edward I, the entire Bench and Bar would mark the opening of each term of court by attending a Mass together. 

In those services, the priests, as well as the judges of the High Court, wore red robes to signify their willingness to defend the truth inspired by the Holy Spirit, even at the cost of shedding one's blood. Thus, the celebration became popularly known as the "Red Mass."