White Mass

"What is a White Mass?"

“A Red Mass is a Mass celebrated annually in the Catholic Church for judges, attorneys, law school professors, students, and government officials. The Mass requests guidance from the Holy Spirit for all who seek justice, and offers the opportunity to reflect on what Catholics believe is the God-given power and responsibility of all in the legal profession.

“Originating in Europe during the High Middle Ages, the Red Mass is so called from the red vestments traditionally worn in symbolism of the tongues of fire (the Holy Spirit) that descended on the Apostles at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). Additionally, Judges of the High Court of England and all doctors of law wore red robes or academic hoods.

“In the United States, the liturgical custom of holding a Red Mass has more recently led to annual Masses for at least two other occupational groups; "Blue" Masses for police officers and others engaged in public safety, as well as "White" Masses for doctors, nurses and other health-care professionals.” (Wikipedia) White Masses (so named for the white coats of the physicians) were traditionally celebrated on the Feast of Saint Luke (the patron Saint of physicians) in hospitals, chapels, parish churches, cathedrals, and everywhere that the physicians routinely gathered with their chaplains. White Masses honor all those who work in health care – from nurses and physicians to dietary staff and lab workers. These Masses aren’t just for Catholics. Healthcare workers from all faiths are welcome.
 
Each year since 2010, Bishop Paul Sirba of the Diocese of Duluth has celebrated the White Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary. Following the Mass, St. Raphael’s Guild hosts a dinner and program. The dinner is held in the gymnasium at Holy Rosary School which is located across the street from the Cathedral. 

During the fourth annual White Mass, Bishop Sirba gave special recognition to St. Mary’s Hospital's 125th Anniversary and the Catholic hospital’s role in the community. Also, Sr. Kathleen Hofer gave a presentation on the history of St. Mary’s Hospital and the role of the Benedictine Sisters in regional health care.
 
 
White Mass Speakers have included:
2010: Bishop Paul Sirba, Bishop of the Diocese of Duluth, MN;
Prayer, Spirituality, and Physicians

2011: Dr. William Toffler, Oregon Health Sciences University;
Physician Assisted Suicide, The Oregon Experience

2012: John Brehany, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Catholic Medical Association;
Ethical and Moral Issues in the Affordable Care Act

2013: Hiliary Byrnes, Counsel for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops;
Religious Liberties and the Affordable Care Act

2014: Rev. Nicanor Pier Giorgio Austriaco, O.P., PhD. Associate Professor of Biology at Providence College in Providence, Rhode Island.
The Role of Virtue in End of Life Care.

2015: Sister Joan Marie Stelman, Vice President for Mission at Essentia Hleath.
Keep the Flame Burning: The Vocation of Medicine and the Crucial Role of Physician Leaders in Mission.

2016: Dr. Peter Kreeft, Professor of philosophy at Boston College
How to Talk About Life Issues (Abortion and Euthenasia): The Problem of Denial of Human Dignity.

2017: Joseph Miller, Executive Director of the Magis Center of Reason and Faith
The Four Levels of Health and Happiness

2018: Bishop Sirba: Blessing of the Health Care workers during Mass, Blessing of the St. Raphael’s Guild Prayer Book, St. Luke’s Prayer Cards and St. Raphael’s Medals and reception in Social Hall. 

2019: Bishop Sirba: Blessing of the Health Care workers during Mass, Distribution of blessed St. Raphael’s Guild Prayer Book, St. Luke’s Prayer Cards and St. Raphael’s Medals and reception in Social Hall. Guild update by President Dr. Dan Skorich.

2020: Diocesan Administrator Dr. James Bissonette celebrated Mass and blessed the health care workers. Given the pandemic, there was no speaker or reception; instead we prayed the Rosary after Mass for health care professional and for an end to the pandemic.