Our annual keynote address will be given by Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children's Commissioner for England. The keynote will be followed by drinks and canapes or dinner for members of the Society and their guests.
This popular event takes place near the feast day of St Thomas More and St John Fisher. The Summer Reception is a fantastic opportunity for society members and their guests to enjoy a relaxing social evening. For many years Charles Russell Speechlys have hosted the summer reception on their stunning roof terrace.
A centuries-old tradition, the Red Mass is a votive Mass of the Holy Spirit offered on the first day of the new legal year each October in Westminster Cathedral with music from the world-famous choir. Before the Reformation, the Red Mass took place at Westminster Abbey. It revived in 1893 and eventually moved to the Cathedral. Other common law jurisdictions adopted the Red Mass tradition, notably the United States of America, where the President attends. Judges, counsel and solicitors attend in court dress. The scarlet robes worn by High Court judges and the use of scarlet vestments for votive Masses of the Holy Spirit give the Red Mass its name.
The Society's Advent Service, featuring music and readings, offers a moment of reflection before the festive season. It takes place in early Advent at St Etheldreda's Church, Ely Place, Holborn. The choir performs a traditional Advent liturgy followed by Benediction. The evening concludes with a reception and dinner in the historic crypt under St Etheldreda’s or another local venue.
