Physicians guild calls for prayer as pandemic wears on

The loud ringing of bells, horns, and noisemakers that made up the 7 o’clock cheer for health-care workers has faded as the COVID-19 pandemic wears on.

But doctors, nurses, and other health professionals are still making sacrifices on the front lines, and as they do so the Catholic Physicians’ Guild in Vancouver is suggesting another, quieter way to show support: prayer.

It’s become the “norm” that health-care workers “take care of [COVID-19] patients carefully, suit up in their protective equipment, and isolate more than others to protect their own families,” Jim Lane, a retired doctor and president of the guild, told The B.C. Catholic.

He knows people in the health-care profession who for months have been unable to visit anyone outside their immediate families, while having to consult with patients on phones and video calls and make other sacrifices to limit the spread of the virus.

“It’s their job now, and it really is a difficult job for them.”

That’s why the physicians guild is inviting people join in prayer for health-care workers by tuning in Oct. 21 for a virtual White Mass at the same time they used to ring their bells.

“The purpose of the White Mass is to recognize the mission of Catholic health care, the mission of caring for people,” said Lane. “It’s a time we can step back and pray for health-care workers, and recognize they are – as many people in society are –  changing their practices.”

White Masses have been an annual fixture in the Archdiocese of Vancouver’s calendar for about a decade and are usually celebrated on or near Oct. 18, the feast of St. Luke (who was a physician).

The upcoming event is actually Vancouver’s second White Mass of 2020; the guild hosted one earlier this year before the pandemic hit. Now, said Lane, is as important a time as any to pray for health-care professionals, and everyone on the pandemic’s front lines, from doctors, nurses and pharmacists to hospital cleaning staff.

“Prayer is always useful and worthwhile and accomplishes so much.”

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, will celebrate the Oct. 21 White Mass with a small gathering at Holy Rosary Cathedral. The public is invited to join virtually on the cathedral’s Facebook page or YouTube channel. There will be no reception or award ceremony as in previous years.

National Catholic Health Care week is Oct. 4-10.