RED MASS TO PRAY FOR GOVERNMENT LEADERS

                                                                            

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 17, 2002
Contact:  Mary Inabnit
(850) 432-5215
Patricia Chivers
(850) 222-3803

Tallahassee , FL – The Governor, Cabinet, the Legislature, Justices, Judges, Attorneys, Law School Faculty and Students are invited to attend the XXVII Annual Red Mass, the Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit, at the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More on Tennessee Street near the Florida State University campus on Wednesday, January 23, 2002 , at 6:00 p.m.   The Mass will be con-celebrated by Archbishop John C. Favalora and all the Catholic Bishops of the State of Florida .  The Mass is open to the public.

   The Red Mass is a seven hundred year old custom, dates back to England and France during the 12^th and 13^th century when the Bench and Bar joined in a special Mass to pray for Divine Guidance.  At this time in Florida ’s history with so many issues affecting our society, we devote special time in prayer for peace and for our governmental leaders.

   Reverend Edward A. Malloy, C.S.C., President of the University of Notre Dame, will deliver the homily on “Justice, Peace and Reconciliation.”  Readers at the Mass will include President of the Florida Bar Terrence J. Russell, House Speaker Pro-Tempore Sandra Murman and Florida Senator Jim Sebesta.

   A reception will follow the service.  All are invited.