A White Mass, named for the white coats and lab coats worn by medical staff, offers people in healthcare professions the chance to come together and pray for God to bless and guide their healing work.

The tradition of the White Mass in the United States finds its origins in the development of the national Catholic Medical Association in the early 1930s. From its inception, the medical profession has been understood as a healing profession, a way in which Christ’s work continues upon the earth. Moreover, since the apparitions at Lourdes in the late 19th century,  the plight of the infirmed – and those who care for them – have taken on renewed appreciation in participating in the mysteries of Christ’s own life. The White Mass gathers health care professionals under the patronage of St. Luke to ask God’s blessing upon the patient, doctor,  nurse and caregiver alike.

Bishop Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv., will offer the White Mass, which is being organized by the Triad Region Guild of the Catholic Medical Association.