Those involved in this year’s diocesan White Mass say they are looking forward to recognizing healthcare workers who have labored for the “greater good” during the coronavirus pandemic.
“They are to be applauded, appreciated and honored at all times, and this Mass demonstrates our love and appreciation for what they do each day,” said Deacon Jerry Jablonowski, executive director of VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services for the Diocese of Camden. “They are the presence of the healing hands of Jesus in our world today.”
Hosted by VITALity and the South Jersey Catholic Medical Guild of the Diocese of Camden, the annual White Mass will be held at 2 p.m. Oct. 31 in Saint Mary Church, Our Lady of Peace Parish, Williamstown. All are invited to the Mass, which will include the distribution of Saint Luke Awards for Excellence.
The Mass, which celebrates all in the healthcare field, is typically held in October; Oct. 18 is the Feast of Saint Luke the Evangelist, the patron saint of physicians and healthcare workers.
“This Mass is so important in that it offers them [doctors, nurses, etc.] the blessings of the Eucharist to strengthen them in their resolve to give of themselves for the well-being of others,” Jablonowski said. “It also provides others the opportunity to pray for them and reflect upon the good works of those who dedicate their lives to the healing arts.”
Dr. Gerald V. Burke, Esq., president of the South Jersey Catholic Medical Guild, agreed.
“They need your prayers, especially during the added stresses of this past year of COVID, so that they will always remain true to their calling and be channels of God’s healing in the compassionate service of those in need,” he said.
Those being honored with Saint Luke Awards for Excellence are Kathleen Benton, MEd, BA, RN, FCN, parish nurse coordinator at Christ the Redeemer Parish, Atco; Dr. Daria Arnold Chacón of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Camden, who practices medicine at Esperanza Health Center, Philadelphia; Maryann Lauletta, MD, FACHE, of Church of the Holy Family Parish, Sewell, vice president of Medical Care Management at Inspira Health System, and Mila Linda Ortillo-Davis, RN, BSN, parish nurse coordinator in St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Egg Harbor Township.
“Their Catholic moral example extends beyond their selfless dedication to their patients, but also to their co-workers and in their personal and family lives. They are truly inspirations to all of us,” Dr. Burke said.
The Mass, he continued, reminds all those in the healthcare field “that each person we encounter is the embodiment of Jesus Christ. It is easy to lose sight of the essence of our profession in our secular medical world. Working for the best interests of each patient we encounter is a unique opportunity to experience the joy that caring and sharing ourselves with others brings.”
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