The White Mass is the traditional name given for the Mass for medical professionals, drawn from the white coats that physicians still wear, and the white uniforms worn by nurses in times past. It is typically held around the Feast of St Luke. St. Luke was an educated Greek physician, author of the Gospel of St. Luke and a companion of the Apostle Paul who remained with him when he was imprisoned in Rome. He is a worthy patron of the medical profession.
"How blessed we are that across the Diocese of Raleigh we have a wealth of world-class health care facilities and dedicated health care professionals to attend to the physical needs of our people," said Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama. "The spiritual needs of our people are also so important during these challenging times. The White Mass gives all of us an opportunity to give thanks to those that care for us and to pray for the well-being of those who always put the well-being of others in front of their own."
This year's Diocesan White Mass will be celebrated at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral on Sunday, October 31, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. and celebrated by Bishop Luis Zarama. All medical workers are welcome to come to the Mass: doctors, dentists, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, physical and occupational therapists, nursing assistants and all others in the broader healthcare field.