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Medical students advised to recognize the power of the faith they hold
Second-year medical student Brent Cunningham addressed his fellow seekers of healing knowledge who were gathered in Mary Immaculate Church.
“Welcome to the first of many,” said Mr. Cunningham, organizer of Kirksville’s inaugural White Mass.
Inspired by the yearly Liturgy for health professionals in the St. Louis area, the Catholic Student Association at A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU) in Kirksville sought to bring the celebration to the students who cannot afford to travel for the occasion. The White Mass is traditionally celebrated on or around Oct. 18, feastday of St. Luke, patron saint of physicians.
“You may wonder why I am wearing red at a ‘White Mass,’” said Monsignor David Cox, pastor of Mary Immaculate parish in Kirksville and the St. Rose of Lima mission in Novinger. “St. Luke was a martyr, whose feast was yesterday; you all are providing the white with your coats.”
Each healthcare professional was given a medal of St. Luke upon entering the church, affixed to a safety pin in order for it to be pinned onto their coat.
-Catholic Missourian