| Melbourne, Australia made history on Friday, October 17th when the Australian Catholic Medical Association (CMAA) hosted its first-ever White Mass at St John the Evangelist Church, East Melbourne. Archbishop Peter A. Comensoli and Archbishop Anthony Fisher led a moving celebration, concelebrating with ten priests, including the Vicar General Fr Anthony Kerin, and supported by a beautiful music liturgy provided by the Corpus Christi seminarians. Following the White Mass Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP of Sydney delivered the annual Nicholas Tonti-Filippini Oration; ‘Reflections on Evangelium Vitae and Australian Culture- 30 years on’, offering his insights on St John Paul II’s Encyclical on human life and ethics and its prescience regarding today’s cultureThe Oration marked the 30th Anniversary since its publication in 1995. The White Mass and Oration was the opening for the CMAA national conference which was held on October 18th/19th at St Peter’s Parish Centre in Toorak, honoring the Feast Day of St Luke. It explored a variety of issues under the theme: “Truth and Integrity in Medicine.” Distinguished speakers from diverse fields shone a light on the ethical crossroads faced in medicine today, yet provided hope and inspiration as well as a sense of solidarity among the delegates in attendance. The White Mass is a cherished tradition among Catholic medical professionals which brings together healers to seek divine guidance in their vocation. Originating in the United States in the early 1930s, this tradition honors the sacred calling of medicine as a continuation of Christ’s healing mission. Since the apparitions at Lourdes, the compassion for the sick and their caregivers has deepened, echoing the mysteries of Christ’s own journey. Named for the white attire of those in the healing professions, the White Mass unites doctors, nurses, and caregivers under the patronage of St. Luke, invoking blessings for all who serve and are served. We are grateful to the team at Shalom World News for recording this special event. |
| A copy of Archbishop Fisher’s Oration can be accessed below.More photographs of the event will be shared in the coming days. |
| NTF Oration pdf |
| CMAA NATIONAL CONFERENCE |
| The presentations at the CMAA Conference will be available soon and shared via this newsletter, following editing and review. |
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