Wilton Cardinal Gregory
The 29th Annual Rose Mass, “A Special Salute to Healthcare Workers”, was celebrated today by His Eminence Wilton Cardinal Gregory, Archbishop of Washington DC, at The Church of the Little Flower in Bethesda, Maryland. “Especially after all that they have risked and done for us during this difficult past year of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are honored to recognize and pray for our Healthcare professionals this morning!”
With the celebration of each Rose Mass, the John Carroll Society continues a tradition begun in 1992. Named the “Rose Mass,” it takes place annually on the fourth Sunday of Lent (“Laetare Sunday”), a Sunday when the vestments worn by the celebrant are rose-colored. The rose has also come to symbolize “life,” whose precious care is entrusted to the healing professions.
The Rose Mass is organized to invoke God’s blessings on the medical, dental, nursing and allied workers and the many health care institutions in the Archdiocese of Washington. In addition, the Mass provides an opportunity to acknowledge in special fashion the splendid work of the volunteers of the Catholic Charities Health Care Network and a priest or religious involved in the health care ministry. This Network is composed of a multitude of dedicated workers of all religious persuasions infused with an ecumenical spirit in their care of the sick. The Rose Mass also provides an opportunity to give thanks for all the work of the many priests, religious and lay people involved in health care related ministry.
