Health care workers from across the Diocese gathered Oct. 18 at St. Thomas More, Allentown for the annual White Mass at the parish’s 5 p.m. vigil Mass. Celebrated by Bishop Alfred Schlert, the liturgy included a special blessing for more than 50 health care professionals in attendance.
Each year, the Church celebrates the White Mass under the patronage of St. Luke, asking God’s blessing on doctors, nurses, caregivers, and all those who serve in the healing professions. Fittingly, this year’s celebration took place on St. Luke’s feast day.
Sponsored by the Allentown Guild of the Catholic Medical Association, the White Mass tradition dates back to the 1930s when the national association first began.
“I am so grateful that we can be here together at this altar to give thanks to God for the healing profession to which He has called each of you,” said Bishop Schlert in his homily. “In your profession you bring healing and the mercy of Christ into places of suffering.”
Bishop Schlert reflected on Scripture passages in which followers of Christ were called to uphold truth and courage in the face of ethical challenges. He encouraged those in health care to rely on their formed consciences when navigating moral decision-making.
“For those Catholics in health care, Scripture and the moral tradition of the Church are not abstract ideas,” he said. “They are informed with conscience, by which you discern right from wrong, life from death, and dignity of patients.”
Among those participating in the liturgy were Father Giuseppe Esposito, Pastor of St. Anne, Bethlehem and chaplain of the Allentown Guild, and Deacon John Travaline, M.D., of Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Father Esposito is also a registered nurse. Deacon Travaline served as the evening’s featured speaker.
After Mass, a reception was held in the St. Thomas More Family Center. Dinner was provided, and Bishop Schlert bestowed the Distinguished Guardian of Faith Medallion on Deacon Travaline for his commitment to living out the Catholic faith both personally and professionally.
Deacon Travaline then presented his talk, “Restoring Relationship in the Art of Medicine.” He invited those present to reflect on Gospel accounts of Jesus’ healing ministry, noting that compassion is always at their center. He offered practical encouragement for medical professionals to remain grounded in compassion even when the demands of their work become exhausting.
The evening concluded with recognition of clergy and attendees who have shown exceptional commitment to integrating faith with medical ethics.
Both Deacon Travaline and Father John Krivak, Pastor Emeritus of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, Hellertown, received the Monsignor James J. Mulligan Award for their dedication to articulating Catholic teaching in relation to medical and biological sciences. Bishop Schlert also received a gift of appreciation from the Catholic Medical Association.
Events like the White Mass serve as a reminder of the sacred call to care for the sick, strengthening the spiritual foundation of those who bring Christ’s compassion into the field of medicine.
Photos by Ed Koskey.
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