The White Mass

In celebrating medical professionals from across the Diocese of Evansville Oct. 22 during the annual White Mass, Bishop Charles C. Thompson referred to the day’s Gospel reading from Luke (Luke 12:39-48).

“We have been given much,” he said, “and we pray for the grace that we may use wisely our gifts and talents as stewards of God’s grace for the sake of healing and peace … and that, indeed, God’s grace may prevail over all human despair and all human destruction.”

The tradition of the White Mass – called by that name because it honors medical professionals – dates back to the early 1930s. It is generally celebrated on or near the Feast Day of St. Luke – not only the author of a Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles, but also referred to in Paul’s letter to the Colossians as “Luke, the beloved physician” (Col. 4:14). 

Bishop Thompson also noted that this year’s Mass was celebrated on the first Feast Day of newly canonized St. John Paul II who, like Popes Blessed Paul VI, Benedict XVI and Francis, was a staunch defender of the dignity of human life.

He quoted them and emphasized the theme for 2014 Respect Life Month, which concludes Oct. 31 – “We are all Masterpieces of God’s Creation.” That theme is taken from a talk Pope Francis gave, in which he discussed the dignity of life. “Pope Francis especially mentioned the marginalized in our world,” Bishop Thompson said. “But those words serve as a reminder that, as instruments of healing, you too are masterpieces of God’s creation.”

He also noted the Holy Father’s consistent call for everyone to become missionary disciples. “If we serve people based on their need – and not just for our own benefit – we are more apt to do the right thing,” he said. 

“It is important for us to be formed in our faith and to live in courage and humility. You wouldn’t be at this Mass if you didn’t embrace the Gospel.”

“We pray for the grace that we keep before us always that dignity of persons,” Bishop Thompson said,  “that sacredness of life; and that we may be guided with courage and humility to use our God-given gifts and talents for the sake of being life-givers … of being instruments of God’s healing and God’s peace – and even in death to be instruments of providing dignity to the dying, to those who suffer.

“We pray that we continue to cultivate a culture of life,” he said, “a culture based on God’s presence here and now among us.”