About Us

The Saint Thomas More Society of Philadelphia is an association of Catholic lawyers, judges and law professors, organized to promote the ideals of Saint Thomas More and the practice of traditional ethics in the legal profession. The Society was founded in Philadelphia in 1949, with the approval of Dennis Cardinal Dougherty, then Archbishop of Philadelphia. It continues to be a source of strength, clarity and fellowship for its members and for the legal community as a whole. The Society's signature event is the Red Mass, which has been celebrated annually since 1952 when a Red Mass opened the 150th Anniversary of the Philadelphia Bar Association. Another annual activity is the John B. Gest Luncheon Forum, usually held in the spring. The Society also sponsors days of recollection, retreats, discussion sessions and communion breakfasts from time to time. Each year, the Saint Thomas More Award is presented to a Catholic lawyer, judge or law professor who, in some way, personifies the principles and ideals of St. Thomas More. Membership in the Society is open to lawyers, judges and law professors interested in promoting the Society's purposes.