FEATURE
DOCTORS OF ALL FAITHS Welcomed
at White Mass Ceremony
Aaron Burch
L
ouisville physicians and health care workers were celebrated
at the annual White Mass by Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz at
the Cathedral of the Assumption on October 22.
Dozens of physicians and health care workers sat in the pews,
listening to readings and songs before reciting the White Mass
Pledge provided by the St. Joseph Guild of the Catholic Medical
Association (see next page for the full text of the pledge).
While the White Mass Ceremony dates back to 1932, it is a rel-
atively new phenomenon in Louisville. The St. Joseph Guild, a
collection of Louisville physicians in the Archdiocese, was chartered
in 2013 and was quickly instrumental in the ceremony becoming
a tradition in the city.
“We were fortunate, because we had a lot of support from the
Catholic Medical Association at the national level,” said St. Joseph
Guild Past-President Dr. Scott Hedges “They provided us with the
oath we took and gave some suggestions about ways to approach
the archdiocese.”
Dr Hedges continued, explaining that the archdiocese was very
supportive of a White Mass for doctors as well as a Red Mass for
judges and attorneys. “The archbishop supports these professions
from an ethical point of view. There are many pressures in medical
practice which can make it tough to live an authentic Christian life.
Anything we can do to provide support for collegiality, for folks to
get to know each other…that’s a good step.”
St. Luke, author of the New Testament books ‘Luke’ and ‘Acts’, is
the patron saint of physicians, surgeons and students. Therefore, the
White Mass is celebrated on or near October 18, St. Luke’s feast day.
At this year’s White Mass, Archbishop Kurtz addressed all, both
healthcare professionals and parishioners attending their regular
Sunday Mass. “This is an occasion for the church to pray in grati-
tude, and that God would continue to inspire the wonderful work
that is being done. I want to extend gratitude to all members of
the St. Joseph Guild who are here, and all of you whether you are
a member or not. You take so seriously the responsibility you have
to the medical field. We want you to know that tonight you enjoy
all of our prayers.”
Following the ceremony, St. Joseph Guild President Dr. Fred
Williams said the White Mass made him feel rejuvenated in his
faith and his profession.
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DECEMBER 2017
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