Red Mass to Honor Five Members of the Justice System Author: The Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D. In the News 20 Sep 2019 Share FALL RIVER — Five people serving within the area justice system will be given the St. Thomas More Award in recognition of their dedicated service at the annual Red Mass to be celebrated at 4 p.m., Saturday, September 28, in St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River. Selected to receive the award are, as distinguished jurist, Judge John M. Julian, Presiding Justice, Barnstable District Court; as distinguished attorney, Marita Durkin Gray, of the Law Office of Marita Durkin Gray, Fall River; as distinguished court employee, Nelia Silva, Probation Officer, Fall River District Court; as distinguished recipient of the ecumenical award, Attorney George Keches, of Keches Law Group, Taunton; and as distinguished recipient of the Joseph P. Harrington Founder’s Award, Attorney Paul Mathieu, of Mathieu and Mathieu Law Office, New Bedford. The Red Mass is celebrated each year in the Fall River Diocese to invoke God’s guidance and strength on those who work to promote justice in the legal system. The Mass is a longstanding tradition in the Church and is widely celebrated in dioceses throughout the United States. Award recipients were nominated for the recognition by the Red Mass planning committee, headed by New Bedford attorney Michael J. Harrington. Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will be principal celebrant and homilist at the Mass. Judges, attorneys and others working in the justice system throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands are invited to attend. The Red Mass is so named because of the color of the vestments worn during the liturgy, which is the Mass of the Holy Spirit, who will be invoked upon those in attendance. The presentation of the St. Thomas More Awards at the conclusion of the Red Mass is a tradition unique to the Fall River Diocese. The award is named for St. Thomas More, a 16th -century English layman and lawyer martyred for opposition to the divorce of King Henry VIII and for refusing to renounce papal authority. All are welcome at the Red Mass. A reception and dinner will follow for which a ticket is required. For information, please contact Atty. Harrington at 508-994-5900. The Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D. The Bishop of Fall River Categories In the News Press Releases and Statements Messages from The Bishop Bishop's Blog Success Stories Photo Gallery Videos Related Posts In the News 30 Sep 2019 Bishop Celebrates Red Mass, Recognizes Service of Five Bishop da Cunha joins with recipients of the St. Thomas More Award following the annual Red Mass on September 28th. Pictured are, left to right, Judge John M. Julian, Attorney … Read More In the News 14 Sep 2016 Five to Receive St. Thomas More Award at Red Mass FALL RIVER — In 1997, while serving as Bishop of the Fall River Diocese, Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley, OFM Cap., inaugurated a Red Mass to invoke the Holy Spirit’s guidance … Read More In the News 28 Sep 2017 Five to be Honored with St. Thomas More Award at Red Mass FALL RIVER — Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will celebrate the annual Red Mass in the Fall River Diocese at 4 p.m., Saturday, October 14, in Saint Mary’s Cathedral, … Read More