Dear Members and Friends 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 to celebrate the 101st Anniversary of the Red Mass and the 60th Anniversary of the Thomas More Lawyers’ Guild of Toronto.

This significant event will take place at 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 Sovereign Ballroom).

We are thrilled to announce Cardinal Francis Leo as our distinguished Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker for this memorable occasion. 

We are also pleased to welcome Mike Bassett, author of Man in the Ditch, who will be joining us as a featured speaker during the dinner. 

When: Wednesday, September 4th, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

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

Celebrant: Cardinal Francis Leo

Reception and Dinner: 6:30 p.m.

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

Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker: Cardinal Francis Leo

Topic: The administration of Justice

Dress Code: Business Attire

This event is accredited for 1 LSO Professionalism Hour and 30 minutes of EDI.

We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you.

P.S.: Tickets are available exclusively through our website. 

**Membership in the Guild is not required to purchase a ticket for the Red Mass.

Warm Regards,

The Thomas More Lawyers’ Guild of Toronto

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. It 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 Guild’s primary objectives remains the sponsorship of the Red Mass.