White Mass blesses health care workers at University of Utah

IC photo/Laura Vallejo

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Fr. Augustine Hilander, O.P., observes the ecumenical blessing of the hands during the Oct. 18 White Mass at the University of Utah's Hope Chapel.

SALT LAKE CITY — In the United States the traditional White Mass began when the National Catholic Medical Association was formed in the 1930s.

The White Mass usually is celebrated on a day close to Oct. 18, the Feast of Saint Luke, patron saint of physicians. The name of the Mass comes from the white coat often worn by those in the healing professions.

In the Diocese of Salt Lake City this year, the White Mass was celebrated Oct. 18 at the University of Utah’s Hope Chapel. A handful of medical professionals of diverse faith denominations attended the Mass. Officiating was Dominican Fr. Augustine Hilander, chaplain for the University of Utah Medical Center, Primary Children’s Hospital and the Huntsman Cancer Center with residence at St. Catherine of Siena Newman Center.

Celebrating the White Mass is important because it gives the opportunity to gather all those people involved in the medical field, “so we can show them they are all part of the Body of Christ; and in order to grow in holiness, to feel connected into what God intends for all of us, which is that inner healing and strength to go on in life and into the eternal life right, here and now,” Fr. Hilander said.