On Oct. 25, the diocese recognized and honored healthcare professionals and spiritual care providers at the annual White Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in San Bernardino. The Mass was presided by Very Rev. Rafael Partida, Cathedral Rector and Director of the diocesan Office of Divine Worship. The annual White Mass is coordinated by the Diocesan Department of Life, Dignity and Justice, which is led by Director, Sister Mary Chilee Okoko, DMMM.
“These are people whose services to us are critical and important,” said Sr. Okoko. “They care for us, share our pains and are with us in our most vulnerable moments.”
During the Mass, Fr. Partida and other concelebrating clergy anointed the hands of healthcare professionals and spiritual care providers with holy oil. In annual tradition, Sr. Okoko invited the faith community to nominate healthcare professionals and spiritual care providers for the five awards given at the Mass. Nominees are those who enthusiastically go beyond the call of duty to carry out service for the sick and show a great deal of diligence to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ in the provision of their services. These individuals strive to live out the Gospel values by applying the teachings of the Catholic Church in their medical work ethic.
All the nominated individuals were recognized at the White Mass and awards dinner, but the following five were presented with awards for their service in the diocese.
- The St. Luke Award, which recognizes a healthcare professional who reflects Catholic values and moral ethics, was presented to Dr. Paul Wisniewski, MD.
- The Florence Nightingale Award, which recognizes a licensed nurse who reflects Catholic values and moral ethics, was presented to Ana Hernandez, RN.
- The Bishop Award, which recognizes a healthcare professional who is outstanding for conducting projects in preventive healthcare that fulfills the mission of the diocese, was presented to Veronika Laketau.
- The St. Teresa of Calcutta Award, which recognizes a healthcare professional who provides healthcare services to the poor, the homeless, disadvantaged or marginalized people, was presented to Mario Lira.
- The St. Damien of Molokai Award, which recognizes a Chaplain who provides compassionate and dedicated spiritual care to the sick and dying, was presented to Hospital Chaplain Rev. Geoffrey Eboh, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Riverside.
“As we continue to live out our faith, putting into action all that Jesus Christ has asked us to do through His Church, applying as much as we could, those principles and values that distinguish us as Christians, we wish to recognize those healthcare professionals who have marked out themselves in their healthcare practices by adhering strictly to the Catholic moral values and beliefs,” Sr. Okoko said.