Guilds Celebrate Annual White Mass Around the Country
November 19, 2024
Baltimore Guild, Maryland
Bishop Bruce Lewandowski, CSsR, Auxillary Bishop and the Urban Vicar for Baltimore, celebrated the annual White Mass with the Baltimore Guild on October 20, 2024 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption. Guild chaplain Fr. Michael DeAscanis, Basilica Rector Fr. Fitzgerald, and area hospital priest chaplains concelebrated. The Mass drew many physicians, several medical students from Johns Hopkins University and University of Maryland schools of medicine, as well as a large cross section of health care professionals and religious orders serving the sick in the Baltimore metro area.
Fr. Brian Nolan delivered an inspiring, thought- provoking presentation on the life of French physician Venerable Jerome Lejeune. The talk was titled, “Jerome Lejeune: Pediatrician, Geneticist, Man of Faith, Witness to Life” and was presented at the luncheon at Baltimore Mercy Medical Center, following the White Mass.
Allentown Guild, Pennsylvania
The Allentown Guild of the Catholic Medical Association sponsored the annual White Mass and luncheon reception with an estimated 250 attendees at the St. Joseph the Worker Church in Orefield, Pa. Oct. 13, 2024. The White Mass was followed by a lunch reception at the Glasbern Inn, Fogelsville. Guild President Deacon Bruno Schettini, M.D., welcomed guests to the event and gave a presentation of the ways the medical community can best apply scientific information to its decision-making process. During a period designated for the appreciation of honored guests, Deacon Williams received the Monsignor James J. Mulligan Award for “clearly articulating the truth of Catholic teachings on Natural Moral Law and the Gospel of Life.” Full article featured in the diocesan website news section.
Photos by Ed Koskey
Harrisburg Diocesan Guild of the Catholic Medical Association, Pennsylvania
The Harrisburg Diocesan Guild of the Catholic Medical Association celebrated its annual White Mass with Bishop Timothy Senior, Bishop of Harrisburg, at St. Joseph Church in Danville, Penn on October 27, 2024. During the Mass, the medical professionals, students and residents recited the promises associated with the Guild, including: to accept responsibility of their apostolate; to embrace the spirit of poverty in giving of their time, talent and treasure for those in need; to adhere to the teachings of the Holy Father and the bishops in matters of faith and morals; to work with Catholic physicians in mutual support and understanding; and to support the work of the Catholic Medical Association. An article appearing about the White Mass in the Catholic Witness, a publication of the Harrisburg Diocese, can be read here.
Photo credit: Catholic Witness
St. Thomas Aquinas of the Quad Cities, Iowa & Illinois
St. Thomas Aquinas of the Quad Cities celebrated its 10th annual White Mass Saturday, October 19, 2024 at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Davenport, Iowa. The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Dennis Walsh. Following the Mass, Deacon Alan Rastrelli, M.D., an expert in the field of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, presented on making end-of-life decisions during a breakfast reception.
Pictured L to R – Deacon Rastrelli (proclaiming the Gospel), Father Bruce DeRammelaere,
Deacon Burchett, Bishop Walsh
St. Raphael Guild of Spokane, Washington
The St. Raphael Guild of Spokane celebrated its annual White Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes in downtown Spokane. His excellency Bishop Thomas Daly presided. Members this year all wore white silk scarfs in lieu of the traditional white coat. A reception followed for members, friends, and family.
Saints Molla and Moscati Guild of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma
The Saints Molla and Moscati Guild of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma celebrated its 11th annual White Mass for health care professionals on Saturday, October 26, 2024. The occasion was a collaborative effort of Saint Francis Health System, Ascension St. John, the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma, and the Catholic Medical Association, reflecting the teamwork and cooperation which distinguish Tulsa as one of the most vibrant cities for Catholic health care in the nation.
The Mass was celebrated at Holy Family Cathedral in downtown Tulsa with Bishop David Konderla as the main celebrant, joined by Vicar General of the Diocese Fr. Gary Kastl, Rector of Holy Family Cathedral Fr. Brian O’Brien, Parochial Vicar Fr. Joshua Votruba, Msgr. Gregory Gier, and the Priest Chaplains of Ascension St. John and Saint Francis Health System.
At the end of Mass, Bishop Konderla led the Catholic Physician Annual Promises, in which physicians present recommit to praying for each other, practicing outstanding medicine, transforming their practices through the power of Christ’s love, and abiding by the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services.
San Francisco Guild of the Catholic Medical Association, California
The San Francisco Guild of the Catholic Medical Association, along with Bella Primary Care and the Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California, sponsored the annual White Mass. Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone celebrated the Mass at Mater Dolorosa Church in South San Francisco on October 18, 2024, the Feast of St. Luke. A reception followed, in which the Bishop thanked the health care professionals saying, “Your witness is so very, very important to keep the human loving face on health care, to be truly human and where we affirm the dignity of every person, and not just see people as a problem to be solved or a means to an end. Catholic health care is so important, now ever more so in today’s world.” More about the Mass can be read here.
Denver Guild of the Catholic Medical Association, Colorado
The Denver Guild celebrated its Annual White Mass on October 19, 2024 at Christ the King Church, followed by a dinner reception. The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Jorge Rodriguez and assisted by Guild Chaplain Fr. Eric Zegeer. A traveling image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was also present at the Mass. The Keynote Speaker was Dede Chism NP, CEO and Founder of Bella Health and Wellness speaking on: “Keeping Our Eyes Fixed on Jesus During Turbulent Times.” Emmaus Catholic Hospice sponsored the event.
