By Megan Erbacher
The Message editor
Memorial Hospital and Healthcare Center in Jasper hosted the 2024 Diocese of Evansville White Mass in their chapel Oct. 25 for healthcare professionals and caregivers.
Bishop Joseph M. Siegel celebrated this year’s White Mass.
Concelebrants of the Mass included Father John Brosmer, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Jasper and Dean of the East Deanery; Father Ron Kreilein, pastor of St. Bernard Parish in Rockport and St. Martin I Parish in Chrisney; Father Jeffrey Read, pastor of Holy Family Parish in Jasper; and Father Simon Natha, pastor of St. Isidore the Farmer Parish in Celestine.
Deacon Gary Keepes assisted, and Diocesan Director of Worship Matt Miller served as master of ceremonies.
The White Mass is celebrated annually on or near the Oct. 18 Feast of St. Luke, patron of healthcare professionals. The evening’s worship aid included information about the White Mass, which dates back to the development of the National Catholic Medical Association in the 1930s. St. Luke was originally a physician from Syria but became a companion of St. Paul. The White Mass is named for the white lab coats often worn by people in the healing profession of medicine, and it honors all people working in a healthcare-related field, volunteers, patients and families.
Between the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, St. Luke contributed nearly a quarter of the New Testament. St. Luke is also believed to be the first icon painter.
During his homily, Bishop Siegel said whatever our suffering, affliction or weakness might be, Jesus looks upon us with compassion. In healthcare, Bishop Siegel said he’s sure people visit medical professionals daily at clinics, hospitals and offices seeking care. In their need, and sometimes their desperation, he noted that they’re not unlike the crowds who flocked to Jesus.
Of course, Bishop Siegel said, these people have problems, some of them very serious problems, and thanks be to God healthcare professionals are equipped to address these problems.
Bishop Siegel noted that a medical professional’s primary challenge is to treat the patient’s problem without treating the patient as the problem. As we ask God for the grace to see people’s goodness and lovability beyond their sins and vices, he said, we should also ask God for the grace to see the sick, injured, disabled and sometimes disagreeable people who need medical attention and be aware that God sees them.
Each day, Bishop Siegel said we have the privilege of sharing the hope and joy of the gospels as instruments of his healing. As laborers for God’s harvest, he said we are true instruments of his mercy.
When people experience God’s love through our words, actions, gentle care and patience, Bishop Siegel explained their hearts are opened to experiences.
Bishop Siegel continued and said he hopes and prays the White Mass reminds medical professionals that their profession is a vocation, a calling from God to live as missionary disciples in their work of healing and care for their patients as witnesses of Christ’s love and mercy.
Like St. Luke did not abandon St. Paul in his time of suffering and impending death, healthcare workers accompany patients in suffering and bring them the comfort of Jesus through their merciful care.
Bishop Siegel told healthcare professionals that the Church needs their witness in our culture, their witness to the dignity of every human life and their witness to the love of our savior.
In conclusion, Bishop Siegel asked St. Luke to intercede for all healthcare providers and to inspire their work.
