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November 5, 2009 The words in St. Mark’s Gospel which tell the story of Jesus’ healing the leper is a verbal icon for those engaged in Catholic Health care, said Archbishop Daniel Bohan in his homily for the third annual White Mass now called Compassionate Healer’s Mass. The celebration was held November 5 in Holy Rosary Cathedral. It brings together and recognizes all those engaged in Catholic health care, hospitals, care homes and rehabilitation. Archbishop Bohan said Mark’s Gospel is a picture of Jesus as the Compassionate Healer and as followers of Jesus we are called to “continue this work of compassionate healing in the way we live out our lives.” There are two versions of Jesus reaching out to heal the leper, said Bohan. In one he is described as compassionate and in the other he is angry, but the anger is directed at the evil of the sickness not at the leper, he said. “As disciples of Jesus we see our involvement in the compassionate healing ministry of Jesus sharing in this spiritual battle against the evil of sickness and death.” The Compassionate Healer’s Mass, he said, gives thanks for being allowed to share in this healing work. “We celebrate the mass so that we may be strengthened by the very body of Jesus so that we are made His body and as His body in our world we may truly be compassionate healers for the salvation of the world.” The tradition of celebrating and recognizing those engaged in Catholic Health care began 4 years ago in Saskatoon by the Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan (CHAS) and now includes Regina and Prince Albert. Association Executive Director Sandra Kary brought greetings on behalf of CHAS and said the celebration’s name was changed this year to Compassionate Healer’s Mass because “it better expresses our compassion.” The mass began with 2 health care workers Gerald Hoggarth, carrying a container with the oil of the sick and Barb Norick carrying a bed chart leading the traditional procession. A reception with a light lunch was held in the Cathedral Hall following the mass. Frank Flegel |
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