CNS photo/Bob Roller

KENNESAW—Physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals from across the Archdiocese of Atlanta gathered at St. Catherine of Siena Church on Saturday, Oct. 17, for the annual White Mass of the Catholic Medical Association Atlanta Guild.

Father Neil Dhabliwala, guild chaplain, celebrated the Mass in honor of the feast of St. Luke, the evangelist and physician who is patron of those in medicine, observed a day ahead of the Oct. 18 feast. The White Mass takes its name from the white coats of the medical profession and is offered to ask God’s blessing on those who care for the sick and to renew their commitment to practicing medicine in harmony with the Church’s teaching on the dignity of every human life.

Following Mass, attendees moved to the parish hall for breakfast and a talk Dr. E. Wesley Ely, the Grant W. Liddle Professor of Medicine and Critical Care at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, founder and co-director of Vanderbilt’s Critical Illness, Brain Dysfunction and Survivorship (CIBS) Center. He is president of the CMA Nashville Guild.

Dr. Ely, a pulmonologist, spoke on finding enlightenment at the bedside. Drawing on decades in the intensive care unit, he described how the most profound moments of his medical life came not from technology or treatment, but from encountering God in the suffering and humanity of his patients.

The Catholic Medical Association Atlanta Guild brings together healthcare professionals for prayer, fellowship, continuing formation and support in living out their faith in medical practice. The guild welcomes new members from all areas of healthcare. Its next event, on Saturday, Jan. 23, will be a panel discussion on the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services. More information is available at cmaatlanta.org.