On September 5, Archbishop Christian Lépine celebrated the 80th Red Mass at the Chapelle du Sacré-Cœur in Notre-Dame Basilica, Montreal, alongside approximately 100 lawyers, notaries, judges, court officers, and law students.

In his homily, Archbishop Lépine highlighted Saint Yves, the patron saint of lawyers, for his dedication to justice and human dignity with compassion and a spirit of service. He encouraged legal professionals to embody these virtues in their pursuit of justice.

A team from Salt + Light was also present, preparing an episode of Behold dedicated to the Red Mass.

Inspired by a tradition that began in Paris in 1245, Montreal’s legal community has observed this annual Mass since 1944 to mark the start of the judicial year. The Mass, dedicated to the Holy Spirit, seeks divine guidance for the year ahead.

Red Masses are celebrated annually in many cities worldwide. In Montreal, the event is organized by the Société Saint-Yves de Montréal (www.ssym.ca).

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