Papal Nuncio, Cardinal McElroy, Archbishop Broglio Celebrate Washington DC's Red Mass with 1,000 Lawmakers, Judges, and Legal Professionals - VIDEO
Washington Red Mass Highlights Call to Practicing Law with ‘Caritas’ and Service to JusticeAt the 74th annual Red Mass on October 4, lawmakers, judges, and legal professionals gathered at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C., to invoke the Holy Spirit’s guidance for the upcoming judicial year. The liturgy—traditionally held on the Sunday before the Supreme Court reconvenes—emphasized integrating caritas (charity and love) into the practice of law and public service.
A Call for Integrity and Harmony Delivering the homily, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, urged attendees to view God’s laws not as restrictions, but as expressions of love and respect for others.
"Liberty in the Christian context is not from, but rather for. We have been redeemed, freed from sin, so that we might give witness to the Gospel, so that we might meet our neighbor’s needs, or so that we might respect his rights,” Archbishop Broglio stated. "We have been redeemed, freed from sin, so that we might give witness to the Gospel, so that we might meet our neighbor’s needs, or so that we might respect his rights." He expressed hope that incorporating caritas into law schools and legal institutions would foster greater civil harmony and lessen the need for court intervention.
Encouragement for the Judiciary and Future Lawyers In closing remarks, Cardinal McElroy expressed gratitude to all legal professionals and offered special encouragement to law students.
"In your study of the law, come to love the law and the sacredness of justice which is behind it," Cardinal McElroy said. "May your hearts soar with the beauty of what law can accomplish at its best… May you always be advocates for life and never lose the resoluteness to do justice, especially for those with little of this world’s goods."
John Carroll Society Honors Pro Bono Leaders The Mass was sponsored by the John Carroll Society—a Washington-area organization of Catholic professionals celebrating its 75th anniversary. Following the liturgy, the society held its annual brunch, recognizing outstanding contributions to the Catholic Charities Legal Network, which provided 2,675 pro bono hours (valued at $2.2 million) across 1,363 cases during Fiscal Year 2026.
The 2026 Pro Bono Legal Service Awards were presented to:
Andrew N. Cook, Esq.: Partner at K&L Gates LLP, past John Carroll Society president, and former chair of the Legal Network’s Advisory Council, recognized for extensive leadership in pro bono service and local food drive initiatives.
Paul Edward Gleason, Esq.: Former director of the Specialized Services Network at Catholic Charities, honored for decades of family law consultation, direct pro bono representation, and mentorship of young attorneys.
Steptoe LLP: Honored for 10 years of weekly client intake consultations, long-standing advisory council membership (notably through attorneys Barbara Kagan and Steve Fennell), and consistent financial sponsorship under pro bono partner Paul Lee.
Carol Elizabeth Dinan (Posthumous): A dedicated non-lawyer volunteer and former math teacher who provided critical administrative support to the Legal Network and served extensively in archdiocesan ministries until her passing in December 2025.
Source - https://www.cathstan.org/local/at-annual-red-mass-archbishop-broglio-urges-lawmakers-to-direct-our-thoughts-in-the-ways-of-peace
Photo by Christopher Newkumet for the John Carroll Society)
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