BOSTON -- Honoring the official start of the new court year, The Catholic Lawyers' Guild of Boston will come together to host its annual Red Mass and luncheon on Sept. 29. The public is invited to attend.

The Catholic Lawyers' Guild of Boston supports Catholic lawyers, seeks to promote the highest ethical standards in the practice of law and encourages service in society. Named for the red vestments worn by the celebrants, the Red Mass is traditionally attended by judges, lawyers and court officials of all faiths seeking blessings, strength and enlightenment for all servants of the law so justice may be achieved in the spirit of cooperation and mutual trust.

Marking a tradition that extends back to the 13th century, the Red Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Robert P. Deeley at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross at 11:30 a.m. The luncheon will follow at 1 p.m. at The Seaport Hotel, One Seaport Lane, in Boston.

The keynote speaker at the luncheon is scheduled to be distinguished author, law professor, financial advisor to the Vatican and Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Carl A. Anderson.

The Guild welcomes and encourages the general public to attend both the Red Mass and luncheon. The Red Mass is free and open to the public; tickets to the luncheon are available for $125.00 per person ($75 per person for law students and new lawyers having five or fewer years admitted to the Bar).

The Red Mass dates back to 1245 at the Chapel of Sainte Chapelle in Paris. Sixty years later, the Red Mass was celebrated in England during the reign of Edward I.

Marked by centuries of tradition, the Red Mass has been celebrated internationally from Rome to Paris, Canada, Ireland, Scotland and The Philippines. One of the largest Red Masses is held annually in Washington, D.C. on the Sunday before the Supreme Court convenes on the first Monday in October.

Guild President Paul McNamara commented, "The Red Mass was first celebrated in Boston in 1941 at Immaculate Conception Church, under the auspices of Cardinal O'Connell and Boston College Law School. It is our honor to continue this annual tradition by sharing the day with our friends, colleagues and all in the congregation who wish to join us for this special occasion."

More information on the Red Mass and luncheon is available by visiting The Catholic Lawyers' Guild website, www.clgb.org or by calling 617-722-8110.