PORTLAND (AP) — Maine’s Catholic diocese is holding its annual “Red Mass” for lawyers and judges.

This year’s Red Mass takes place today at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland.

The Red Mass is a tradition started centuries ago in Europe to celebrate the official opening of the judicial year. Church officials are inviting judges, lawyers, government officials and people of all faiths to the ceremony.

The name of the Mass comes from the red vestments worn by the Mass celebrants.

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