October 9, 2002

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, Contact:
Bud Bunce (503) 233-8373
bbunce@archdpdx.org

Archbishop John G. Vlazny invites attorneys to Red Mass

        Archbishop John G. Vlazny will celebrate the annual "Red Mass" for members of
the legal profession on Saturday, November 16 at St. Anthony Village (3600 SE 79th
Ave, Portland). The Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m., and a brunch will be held after Mass.
The speaker for the brunch is Mr. Jim Towey, Director of the White House Office of
Faith-based & Community Initiatives. Senator Mark Hatfield will introduce Jim Towey.
The Red Mass is traditionally celebrated as a votive Mass of the Holy Spirit. It
provides an opportunity for all attending members of the legal community: judges,
attorneys, law school professors, governmental officials, etc., to reflect on the God given
power attached to their office. Participants ask God to imbue all members of the legal
community with the virtues and gifts needed for the right and just administration of their
respective office.

        The first recorded Red Mass was in France in 1245. The Mass became known
as the "Red Mass," because the Bishop and priests wore red vestments, and by custom
the judges of the High Court of England and all doctors of law wore red robes or
academic hoods. The first Red Mass celebrated in the United States was on October 6,
1928 in New York City by Cardinal Patrick Hayes.

        Jim Towey has extensive governmental and non-profit experience that cuts
across traditional party lines. He served Republican Senator Mark Hatfield as a
Legislative Director and Legal Counsel, and also served in the cabinet of Democratic
Florida Governor Lawton Chiles.

        In 1993 Towey was appointed by Chiles to run Florida's health and social
services agency. After leaving the public sector in 1996, Towey founded and ran Aging
with Dignity, a national non-profit organization that helps families plan for and discuss
the care they want during times of serious illness.

        Towey considers his work with Mother Teresa of Calcutta as the most significant
in his life. He met Mother Teresa in 1985, visiting her home for the dying --- an event he
describes as the "defining moment" in his life. Towey went on to serve as legal counsel
to Mother Teresa for 12 years, and in 1990 lived as a full-time volunteer in her home for
people with AIDS in Washington, DC.

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