Archdiocese of Washington Held 74th Annual Red Mass
The service brought together legal professionals and judicial officials to seek blessings on the administration of justice.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Catholicism
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Approximately 1,000 attendees gathered at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle on October 4, 2026, for the 74th annual Red Mass. Sponsored by the John Carroll Society, the event honored legal service to the Catholic Charities Legal Network.
Why it matters
The tradition is held to invoke divine blessings upon public officials and those tasked with the administration of justice. It serves as an annual spiritual touchstone for the Washington legal community.
The John Carroll Society has operated for 75 years, having been founded in 1951. Carol Elizabeth Dinan, one of the service award recipients, previously dedicated 27 years to teaching mathematics.
The players
Robert W. McElroy
The Cardinal of Washington served as the principal celebrant for the annual Mass.
Timothy P. Broglio
The Archbishop acted as the homilist during the 74th annual Red Mass.
John Carroll Society
This organization sponsors the annual Mass and honors lawyers for service to the Catholic Charities Legal Network.
Carol Elizabeth Dinan
A posthumous award recipient who spent 27 years teaching mathematics before her passing.
Andrew N. Cook
A lawyer honored with a Pro Bono Legal Service Award for his work with the Catholic Charities Legal Network.
The details
Cardinal Robert W. McElroy served as the principal celebrant, while Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio delivered the homily to a crowd including the Chief Justice and various Supreme Court justices. The John Carroll Society also presented Pro Bono Legal Service Awards to Andrew N. Cook, Paul Edward Gleason, Steptoe LLP, and the late Carol Elizabeth Dinan.
Timeline
The John Carroll Society was founded in 1951.
Carol Elizabeth Dinan died on December 27, 2025.
The 74th annual Red Mass was celebrated on October 4, 2026.
Roadmap
The event represents a continuation of the tradition established by the Archdiocesan Legal Network in 1989. It reinforces the integration of religious service with the professional duties of the local legal community.
The event serves as an annual invitation for local attorneys to engage with Catholic Charities through pro bono legal services. Residents may experience temporary traffic adjustments near the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle during such large-scale public gatherings.
The takeaway
The Red Mass underscores the intersection of public service and community commitment within the nation's capital. Legal professionals are encouraged to support the Catholic Charities Legal Network to continue the legacy of service exemplified by the annual award recipients.
Further reading
Learn more about local religious traditions in the Catholicism section.
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