Healthcare professionals encouraged to attend annual White Mass

The Archdiocese of Baltimore’s annual White Mass and blessing for healthcare professionals will be held Oct. 26 at 10:30 a.m. at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption in Baltimore with Archbishop William E. Lori as the celebrant.

Following the Mass, a luncheon organized by the Baltimore Guild Catholic Medical Association will take place at Mercy Medical. George Weigel, a theologian and biographer of Pope St. John Paul II, will talk about “Defending the Human: The Catholic Challenge Today.”

The annual White Mass and luncheon attracts healthcare workers from across the region, according to Janine Danko, president of the Baltimore Guild, which is the only chapter of the national association in Maryland.

“A lot of different people working in healthcare come,” Danko said. The White Mass gets its name from the fact that the health care providers who attend are encouraged to wear their white coats. “It is an opportunity for healthcare workers to come, be together and get a blessing from the archbishop.”

Throughout the year, the Baltimore Guild provides its members with forums to discuss issues such as abortion and euthanasia, and how to keep true to their Catholic faith. Members are also kept updated about various bills being addressed in the Legislature.

“Our mission is to inspire physicians to be imitators of Christ,” Danko said. “We teach medical students what it means to be Catholic physicians – even if not in a Catholic hospital, to feel comfortable stepping up for Catholic values.”

While healthcare workers have a variety of guilds available to them, the Baltimore Guild Catholic Medical Association is unique, Danko said.

“It is very different what we talk about and how we talk to each other,” Danko said. “Everything we are about at CMA is focused on advocating for the sick.”

While no registration or fees are required to attend the Mass, tickets for the luncheon are $60 for medical professionals and guests. Medical students and clergy/religious are invited at no cost, though registration is required. 

Guest speaker Weigel is known for his two-volume biography of Pope St. John Paul II, a New York Times bestseller. He is a Baltimore native and has a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Roland Park.

Email Katie V. Jones at kjones@CatholicReview.org

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