Law, a central figure in the national clergy sex abuse crisis, traveled recently to the Vatican and Washington D.C. and has been away on a summer retreat. Law, who generally does not celebrate Mass at Holy Cross during the summer, last was there early last month.

His return to the cathedral altar came days after a Suffolk Superior Court judge struck a blow to the Boston Archdiocese's defense of civil lawsuits brought by alleged sex abuse victims.

On Friday, Justice Constance Sweeney rejected the archdiocese's claim that it could not fund a $30 million settlement for victims of defrocked priest John Geoghan because the archdiocesan Finance Council disapproved. She said the council is not recognized under state law.

Sweeney said state law vests power in the archbishop.

But Law, who in the past has discussed legal developments from the altar, did not address Sweeney's comments or the crisis Sunday. Archdiocese spokeswoman Donna Morrissey refused to comment.

The settlement unraveled in May when the finance council refused to honor Law's request to approve it, saying it was too costly.

Sweeney will rule July 31 whether the broken settlement is legally enforceable.

Law celebrated Mass at the request of District Court Judge Gordon Martin, who is hosting a national conference for juvenile and family judges. Martin, who brought several judges to Mass, said he and Law are longtime friends.

"He has admitted mistakes," Martin said. "He's done that forthrightly."

Two-dozen protesters carried signs in front of the church.