The White Mass, honoring doctors, nurses and others in the
medical profession, was celebrated at Marymount University’s Sacred Heart of
Mary Chapel Oct. 22 by Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge. Father James R. Gould,
chaplain of the Northern Virginia Guild of the Catholic Medical Association, and
pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church in Warrenton, concelebrated.
In his homily, Bishop Burbidge called upon St. Luke, the patron
of doctors, to watch over those who have the great privilege and responsibility
of serving the sick. He asked that those in attendance reflect on the moment that Jesus called them to
serve the sick and give thanks to the Lord for their gifts. He encouraged
everyone to take care of themselves — not only spiritually, but physically and
emotionally as well — as those patients they serve need them at their very
best. And, finally, to find a moment in each day, no matter the demands, to be
still and prayerful.
“It is a beautiful opportunity to thank and honor those in the
ministry of taking care of the sick and infirm, in imitation of Jesus, the
divine physician,” said Bishop Burbidge. “I encourage them to renew their
commitment to protect the sacredness of all human life.”
Dr. Roy Stefanik, a psychiatrist from Centreville and parishioner
of St. John, felt it was important to come to the Mass because as physicians “we’re
dealing with so many complex ethical and moral decisions and constantly being
bombarded with outside influences that undermine us — whether those decisions
are protecting the life of the unborn, the infirm or the elderly.”
Dr. Chau Thiede and her family presented the gifts during Mass.
“In this day and age, when it is so hard to be a physician, it was great to
gather together to give each other support,” she said.
Marymount President Matthew D. Shank said he was especially taken
with the bishop’s words about the call of physicians. “Not only were the words
from the bishop beautiful and fitting,” he said, “but, they were very much from
the heart, and he has a true caring for people who care for others.”
Buy photos from the White Mass at catholicherald.smugmug.com.