Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre led the annual Red Mass on October 12 at the Cathedral of the Assumption, focusing on invoking "the presence of the Holy Spirit upon all who serve in legal professions, as they seek justice for all." The event marked the conclusion of the Catholic Bar Association's national convention, which hosted approximately 90 participants at the Seelbach Hilton in Louisville.

The Catholic Bar Association, established in 2015, aims to foster community among Catholic legal professionals both nationally and internationally. During his homily, Archbishop Fabre highlighted that both the Church and judicial system share a commitment to defending and promoting the common good. He referenced “The Catechism of the Catholic Church,” defining it as “the sum of social conditions that enable individuals to reach their full potential.”

Fabre emphasized that both institutions face challenges from an increasing culture of individualism, which he said disregards "the common good’s concern for what is also advantageous for the larger group or larger society." For legal professionals, this results in "disregard for the objectivity of the law," while for the Church it means rejecting "objective divine truth."

Ben Hachten, co-founder and president of Louisville’s chapter of the Catholic Bar Association, spoke about Red Mass's significance. He noted it allows those involved in law "to publicly witness to the Catholic faith," emphasizing that "the law should guide human affairs to their eternal salvation." Hachten mentioned St. Thomas More as a model for balancing faith with legal obligations.

St. Thomas More was executed for treason after opposing King Henry VIII's religious reforms. Hachten remarked that More's faith guided him when state laws conflicted with church teachings.

The liturgy concluded with a prayer dedicated to St. Thomas More. Legal professionals interested in joining Louisville’s Catholic Bar Association can contact bhachten@oldfather.com.