.jpg "Senior Law Students participating in Red Mass")
On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, the St. Thomas More Lawyers’ Guild of the Diocese of Hamilton held its 67th annual Red Mass at St. Augustine's Church in Dundas. The centuries-old tradition, led by the Bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton, the Most Reverend D. Douglas Crosby, marks the historical start of the Fall Assize of the Superior Court of Ontario.
The Red Mass, named for the symbolic red sash worn by judges and the vestments of the priests, as well as the tongues of fire representing the Holy Spirit, serves as a reminder that law is derived from God’s eternal law and Divine Justice. It calls for Divine assistance and blessings for those practicing law, as they bear the responsibility of interpreting and applying the law for both individual good and the common good of society.
This year, senior law students from St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School and St. Mary Catholic Secondary School were invited to attend the Mass alongside their law teachers, Mrs. Andrea Leone, Mrs. Claire Burke, and Mrs. Mary McAuley. The students actively participated in the service, with St. Thomas More’s Student Council President, Milania Bozzo, Inclusion and Diversity Representative, Matthew Macaluso, along with students Joey Clayton and Ante Sola-Nasso from St. Mary, serving as gift bearers during the Mass.
The event saw a strong representation from both schools, including St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School students Ash Lico, Mia Ryan, Adrianna Douliou, Isabella Moro, Francesca Pugliese, Simona DePetris, and Alina Guevara-Castro, as well as St. Mary Catholic Secondary School students Max Nicholls, Josip Meze, Lauren Don, and Abby Katherine.
After the service, students joined members of the legal community for a breakfast where they listened to guest speaker Sam Mercanti, an award-winning Hamilton entrepreneur and founder of CARSTAR Canada. Mercanti, author of RISEN from the Shop Floor, Lessons from an Entrepreneur, shared his inspiring journey from immigrant beginnings to becoming a leader in Canada’s car collision industry. He emphasized the importance of faith in both his personal and professional life, encouraging students to remain grounded in their values as they pursue their future careers.
The event was an inspiring start to the new school year, fostering meaningful connections between the legal community and the next generation.
.jpg "Students and teachers with the Most Reverend Douglas Crosby, OMI and Bishop Lobsinger")
.jpg "group photo of all participants in Red Mass")
.jpg "Senior Law Students participating in Red Mass")