4th year and counting….

For four years now, Mission Doctors Association has worked with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to sponsor and host the ‘White Mass’ for the feast of St. Luke, and opportunity to celebrate and thank Catholic healthcare providers.

Each year this celebration has grown.  For the past three years we celebrated together at Holy Family in South Pasadena.  The Parish graciously welcomed us and we cannot thank them enough for helping us reestablish this celebration in the Archdiocese.  This year we move to St. Jerome Catholic Church, and we had thought the Archbishop would be our celebrant, but he was called to Rome to be part of the synod of Bishops.  Bishop Clark, who is himself a member of the Knights of Malta graciously agreed to be our main celebrant.

One way Mission Doctors utilizes this opportunity is to recognize one Catholic Doctor as the Outstanding Catholic Doctor of the Year.  This year’s honoree, Dr. Andres Enriquez from El Paso, TX is being recognized for his work, not only in his own community but across the border in Juarez, Mexico.  His life threatened for continuing this work, Dr. Enriquez has found a way to provide care working in collaboration with a nurse at the clinic in Mexico.  Each year we are amazed by the sacrifices and generosity of service of all the nominees for Catholic Doctor of the Year and the task of choosing one to honor is always daunting.

As we gather on Sunday we do so; to thank, to celebrate, and to ask God’s blessing on all who are engaged in caring for us when we are most vulnerable. In doing so, they are able to be the healing presence of Christ at a time when the need is greatest.

Guest Blog 2-Photo of the Week

This week Laurie McElroy, our wonderful, hard working Administrative Assistant, is sharing her favorite photo.  An image of the blessing of the hands from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles White Mass celebration last month. 

This was my first time attending the White Mass and it was really a wonderful experience.  It was beautiful to see the Catholic community support and show their appreciation for those in healthcare.  There were so many people that came up to me expressing their gratitude and appreciation for all those that participated in acknowledging all of their hard work and dedication.

St. Luke – patron of healers…

For many years the Archdiocese of Los Angeles had not had a ‘White Mass’ – a Mass held to honor the work of health care professionals, so named for the white garb most commonly worn by doctors, nurses, and others who are engaged in the healing ministry.

Two years ago when our MDA Board of Directors took on the task of a 5 year strategic plan – this was one of the items that came forward, re-introducing this celebration in the Archdiocese. We wrote to Cardinal Mahony who welcomed the idea and we were partnered with the dynamic woman who (among other titles) is the Director of Health Affairs for the Archdiocese, Sr. Angela Hallahan. Working together last year with a small but dedicated committee this annual event was re-introduced with wonderful success and we immediately looked to ways to grow the celebration for 2010.

On Sunday we will gather again at Holy Family in South Pasadena; ‘Blessing Healers – Celebrating Health’. The committee has grown, the numbers have increased, and this Sunday promises to be a wonderful opportunity to bring together those who give so much of themselves in service to others. One of the highlights of last year’s Mass was the blessing of hands, a moment when the healers were invited to stand and extend their hands, palm up, to receive a blessing. As moving as it was to witness these humble individuals stand, bow their heads, and raise their hands, I also watched a doctor who had been practicing medicine for more than 40 years brush away a tear.

Let us pray for all who minister to the health of others. May they always see Jesus in their patients, may they feel the breath of the Holy Spirit as they bear the burdens of this ministry and may the know their work is in partnership with our loving Father.