MADISON — Starting sometime in the Middle Ages, in England, and continuing through World War II, the entire “Bench and Bar” — those serving in English courts of law as judges, attorneys, etc., would assemble for a Mass on an annual basis.
The Mass offered was a Solemn Mass of the Holy Spirit, which had the clergy wearing red vestments.
The judges of the High Court also wore red robes or red doctoral hoods.
Hence, this annual Mass came to be known as a “Red Mass,” as many of those participating were decked out in red.
This wonderful custom came to the United States in 1928, in New York City.
In time, other professions followed suit.
Those in health care professions in the United States began to have “White Masses” in the 19th Century.
The designation “white” was inspired by the white garb often worn by physicians, nurses, and others in the profession.
In 1934, Fr. Thomas Dade, of the Archdiocese of Washington, a chaplain for the “Catholic Police and Firemen’s Society,” organized the first “Blue Mass,” which was and is for first responders.
The “Gold Mass” is a more recent development.
Speeches given by St. John Paul II to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences inspired the Society of Catholic Scientists to organize Masses for those in STEM professions (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), the first being in the United States in 2016.
“Gold” was selected for the color as that is the color of doctoral academic regalia in the sciences in many places.
For the first time in the Diocese of Madison, a Gold Mass will be celebrated.
If you are in a STEM profession, or an educator involved in teaching STEM-related classes, you are invited to the Gold Mass to be at Holy Redeemer Church, part of Cathedral Parish in Madison, 128 West Johnson St., Madison on Thursday, April 28, at 5:30 p.m. Fr. Stephen Brunner will be the celebrant.
Following Mass, there will be a lecture along with a dinner to be held in the church dining hall.
Those who plan on attending are asked to register in advance to facilitate planning.
Go to scsmadisonwisconsin.org for information and instructions.
If you have additional questions, call Richard Bonomo at 608-258-8613.
For information about the Society of Catholic Scientists, go to catholicscientists.org