Dear Members of the Thomas More Lawyers’ Guild of Toronto

It is with great pleasure and honour that we, on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Guild, extend our invitation to you for the momentous occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the Red Mass. This significant event is set to take place at the St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica. The Red Mass marks the opening of the Courts and brings together members of the Ontario Judiciary, lawyers and those associated with the administration of justice. Following the Red Mass, we invite you to join us for a reception and dinner at the Omni King Edward Hotel (The Crystal Ballroom).

We are thrilled to announce Chief Justice Michael Tulloch as our distinguished guest of Honour and Speaker for this memorable occasion at the dinner following the Mass.

When: Wednesday, October 9^th, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.

Where: St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica, 65 Bond St., Toronto, ON M5B 1X1

~Celebrant: Archbishop Francis Leo

Reception and Dinner: 6:30 p.m.

Location: The Omni King Edward Hotel, 37 King St E, Toronto, ON M5C 1E9 (The Crystal Ballroom)

~Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker: Chief Justice Michael Tulloch

 Topic: St. Thomas More’s Guidance for Ethical Practice

This event is accredited for 1 LSO Professionalism Hour.

*Dress Code: Business attire.  

THE HISTORY OF THE RED MASS

The Thomas More Lawyers’ Guild of Toronto traces its history back to the 13th century with the initiation of the Red Mass. In the Cathedral of Paris in 1245, a Mass was held to invoke the guidance of the Holy Spirit on the judges of the Ecclesiastical Courts. It is believed the first liturgy was celebrated in honour of St. Ives of Brittany, the patron saint of lawyers. The practice of the Red Mass spread to England in 1310 during the reign of King Edward I. The entire Bench and Bar attended this special Eucharist at the beginning of the spring term of Court. The Name “Red Mass” became a tradition because of the red robes worn by the judges and the red vestments worn by the priests. The Red Mass has been held annually in Westminster Cathedral, London, since 1904. The Red Mass was first held in Toronto in 1925. Its sponsorship was assumed by the Guild of Our Lady of Good Counsel in 1931 and by The Thomas More Lawyers’ Guild of Toronto since 1968. One of the primary objectives of the Thomas More Lawyers’ Guild of Toronto is the sponsorship of the Red Mass.

We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you. 

P.S.: Tickets are available exclusively through our website, and membership in the Guild is not required to purchase a ticket for the Red Mass.

Warm Regards,

The Thomas More Lawyers’ Guild of Toronto