Mercy and Medicine: Celebrating the White Mass

Bishop Earl Fernandes celebrated the White Mass for Catholic healthcare professionals on Saturday, Oct. 17, at St. Thomas More in Columbus. The event, co-hosted by the Diocese of Columbus Office of Pro-Life Ministries and the Central Ohio Guild of the Catholic Medical Association, honors medical workers through a liturgy typically held near the feast of St. Luke.

Fathers Adam Streitenberger, Bob Penhallurick, and several hospital chaplains concelebrated the Mass. During his homily, Bishop Fernandes told healthcare workers they are called to bring the Word of Life to the sick, the weak, and the dying amidst modern challenges to human dignity. He noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, priests brought the presence of Christ to patients even when they could not visit in person.

Sister Mary Rebecca Koterba, RSM, of the Religious Sisters of Mercy, gave a talk following the liturgy.