By Valerie Schmalz
St. Dunstan Church resonated with classical Catholic music in the soft light of early evening Oct. 3, as medical professionals gathered for the annual White Mass offered by San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone.
“Our Lord always immediately has his heart open to us,” Archbishop Cordileone told those gathered. Because the White Mass for Catholic Medical Professionals was held on the First Friday of the Month, Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone offered the Votive Mass of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
“His heart was wounded for our healing,” Archbishop Cordileone said in his homily at the 70-year-old Millbrae church. “For you medical professionals, there is a deeper spiritual meaning for you.”
“You are exposed to suffering every day, day in and day out. This must take an emotional toll,” the archbishop said. No matter the outcome of a specific situation, Archbishop Cordileone said: “You are witness to the long-range view—the ultimate healing is eternal.”
“When we suffer with the other, we are agents of his mercy,” Archbishop Cordileone said.
Archbishop Cordileone was joined on the altar by St. Dunstan pastor Holy Ghost Father Joseph Glynn, Deacon Ric Cepriano, Vicar General Father Patrick Summerhays, St. Pius pastor Father Tom Martin, Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church pastor Father Rami Razzouk and six St. Dunstan altar servers.
The Mass was followed by a reception in the St. Dunstan Hall, where the Knights of Columbus offered a sumptuous desert table. In addition, a plentiful table of appetizers and snacks was on offer. The Mass was organized by the Office of Human Life & Dignity. Co-sponsors were the Catholic Medical Association St. Francis Guild, Bella Primary Care and the Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California.
The White Mass music was sacred polyphony, a classical form of chant with organ and choral hymns, provided by the Archbishop’s Schola led by Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka. Dr. Donelson-Nowicka is professor and director of music at St. Patrick’s Seminary & University and holds the William P. Mahrt Chair in Sacred Music and serves as the founding Director of the Catholic Institute of Sacred Music.
The White Mass takes its name from the white coats and uniforms that were originally standard for doctors, nurses and all others in the health care professions. The Archdiocese also has an annual Red Mass for attorneys, based on the martyrdom of St. Thomas More, and a Blue Mass for law enforcement officers and other first responders.
Photos by Saul Perez, coordinator of digital media and social action, Office of Human Life & Dignity
