School hosts 103rd Red Mass this week

University of Detroit Mercy School of Law will host its 103rd annual Red Mass on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at noon at Saints Peter and Paul Jesuit Church in downtown Detroit.

The church is located at 629 E. Jefferson Ave., immediately adjacent to the law school campus.

UDM’s Red Mass is an occasion for to pray together for guidance at the beginning of the new judicial term and join in the Renewal of the Lawyer’s Oath of Commitment.

The Oath is recited by all new lawyers in the State of Michigan as a mandatory part of swearing-in ceremonies. 

Renewal of the Oath is a voluntary means of reaffirming the pledge made at the onset of a lawyer’s career. 

This year, it will be led by federal Judge Patrick J. Duggan, who will retire from the bench the following day.

The custom of a special religious ceremony for all members of the bench and bar at the opening of each term of the court arose principally in England, France and Italy in the early 13th century.