University of Detroit Mercy School of Law celebration is the oldest Mass for members of the legal community in the country
DETROIT — Members of Detroit’s legal community gathered on Sept. 22 at SS. Peter and Paul (Jesuit) Parish for the 114th annual Red Mass, an opportunity to pray for wisdom and strength in the coming academic year and to reflect on the vocation of law and the pursuit of justice.
Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger of Detroit celebrated Mass, which brought together judges, attorneys, civic leaders and law students. The annual celebration is hosted by the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.
Fr. Joseph Daoust, S.J., superior of the Detroit Jesuit community, reflected in his homily on the vocation of lawyers and the deeper meaning of justice.
Fr. Daoust explained that while justice is often understood in terms of individual rights and procedural fairness, Biblical justice is concerned with right relationships between people and within society. The work of the legal profession, he said, can therefore be understood as a vocation to serve the community and pursue justice beyond simply following the letter of the law.
He pointed to Jesus’ call to love enemies and pray for those who persecute us as an example of the deeper justice to which Christians are called. He also reflected on Pope Leo XIV’s call for a “civilization of love,” in which justice and charity work together to strengthen communities and promote the good of others.
Rebecca MacMaster, director of parish life at SS. Peter and Paul (Jesuit) Parish, said the Red Mass provides a unique opportunity for the Catholic and legal communities to come together around their shared concern for justice.
“We have the oldest Red Mass in the country, one of the oldest in the world, and it’s a great way for our community, our Catholic community and our lawyer community to come together and celebrate really the goal of law and the goal of our Catholic faith, which is to uplift the poor, the marginalized, the troubled, and to seek justice for all,” MacMaster told Detroit Catholic.
MacMaster emphasized that the Red Mass is not limited to Catholics or members of Detroit Mercy School of Law. “It’s open to everyone, all faiths. You do not have to be Catholic to attend the Red Mass,” she said. “All are welcome here.”
Nicholas J. Schroeck, dean and professor of law at Detroit Mercy School of Law, welcomed those gathered and highlighted the longstanding relationship between the law school, the Jesuit community and Detroit’s legal profession.
As part of the celebration, Chief Judge Stephen J. Murphy III of the U.S. District Court - District of Eastern Michigan led attorneys in a renewal of the Lawyer’s Oath of Commitment.
Through the oath, attorneys reaffirmed their commitment to uphold the U.S. and the State of Michigan constitutions, respect the courts, pursue truth and justice, protect client confidentiality and conduct themselves with integrity.
