PORTLAND — Honoring a tradition that started many centuries ago in Rome, Paris and London to celebrate the official opening of the judicial year, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland will celebrate the 2013 Red Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 4.

Judges, lawyers, government officials and people of all faiths are invited to attend the Mass, which invokes God’s blessing and guidance in the administration of justice.

“What this community does is essential to the good order of our society, the promotion of justice and the protection of human dignity,” said Bishop Richard J. Malone, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Portland. “Their work is often complex and challenging. The Red Mass thanks and remembers this community and praises the God of justice and truth.”

The name of the Red Mass derives from the red vestments worn by the celebrants of the Mass. The vestments symbolize the presence of the Holy Spirit and are reminiscent of the traditional bright scarlet robes worn by the attending royal judges centuries ago.

In Bishop Malone’s absence, Monsignor Paul Stefanko will be the principal celebrant and Monsignor Michael Henchal will serve as the homilist.

Following Mass, a luncheon will be hosted at the Portland Country Club, 11 Foreside Road, Falmouth, starting at 12:15 p.m. The featured speaker will be Rabbi David G. Dalin, professor of history and politics at Ave Maria University in Florida.

Those interested in attending the luncheon are asked to contact Linda Franklin at 729-1144.