More Than 1,000 Attend Annual White Mass at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral; Livestream Draws Over 3,800 Viewers
NEW YORK, NY, June 11, 2026 — More than 1,000 healthcare professionals, caregivers, clergy, religious sisters, and community members gathered at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral for the annual White Mass on Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026, celebrated by Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks in his first White Mass as Archbishop of New York. Hosted by ArchCare, the continuing care community of the Archdiocese of New York, the Mass honored healthcare workers and family caregivers whose service supports individuals, families, and communities throughout New York.
The annual White Mass is one of the Archdiocese’s longstanding traditions honoring the healthcare professionals and caregivers whose work supports individuals and families during some of life’s most vulnerable moments.
An additional 3,800 people joined the celebration through a livestream broadcast.
A Catholic tradition dating back to the late nineteenth century, the White Mass takes its name from the white coats worn by medical professionals and serves as a moment of prayer, reflection, and gratitude for those called to care for others. The liturgy included a special blessing for healthcare professionals and recognition of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm at Mary Manning Walsh Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center.
In his homily, Archbishop Hicks reflected on healthcare as a vocation rooted in service and faith.
“Your care for people’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs with skill, compassion, and respect is a true vocation,” Archbishop Hicks said. “It is not just a job. It is not just a career. This is God’s calling, following Christ to heal in our world.”
Following the Mass, Archbishop Hicks said he hoped healthcare workers left the cathedral feeling supported in their ministry. “I want God to bless them and to fill them so that they can continue to give, to persevere and really be true ministers of Christ, the healer, in the world.”
This year’s White Mass also marked a significant moment of recognition for the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm, who have served at Mary Manning Walsh Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center for 74 years.
“The Carmelite Sisters have a witness, a legacy of giving with their hearts, of healing and of being true ministers who are meeting people when they need it the most,” Archbishop Hicks said. “We ask God that their legacy continues for generations to come.”
ArchCare President and Chief Executive Officer Scott LaRue said the Carmelite Sisters’ legacy helped shape both ArchCare and its approach to person-centered care.
“The Carmelite Sisters have been a part of ArchCare in the Catholic health care system, literally, since its inception,” LaRue said. “They’ve been a key part of the growth of ArchCare. And they set the tone for the love, the compassion, and the holistic approach to caring for the people that we serve.”
LaRue said the Sisters’ example remains especially important at a time when healthcare can become increasingly focused on systems, data, and transactions.
“They have made a lasting impression on what real care means at the bedside and how to care for the individual in a holistic way versus just a transactional health care approach,” LaRue said.
Archbishop Hicks concluded the Mass with a prayer for all those engaged in healthcare ministry.
“I ask God today to bless you with strength when you are weary, patience when challenged, calm when chaos comes, clarity in difficult decisions, hope in struggle, and joy when the road seems tough.”
The White Mass concluded with a special blessing for healthcare professionals and caregivers, recognizing their service to patients, families, and communities across New York.
Photos from the White Mass are available upon request.
A replay of the White Mass livestream is available at: Annual White Mass | June 3rd 2026
For interview requests or media inquiries, please contact Kelly Wessel at kwessel@archcare.org.
About ArchCare
ArchCare is the Continuing Care Community of the Archdiocese of New York, and one of the nation’s largest and most dynamic Catholic healthcare systems. ArchCare provides quality care to thousands of people of all faiths through its home and community-based and residential care programs, including their Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) nursing home alternative, adult day care, long-term skilled nursing care, short-term rehabilitation, home care, assisted living, hospice, an acute care specialty hospital and services for people with Huntington’s disease, HIV/AIDS, developmental disabilities, and other specialized care needs.
Visit archcare.org for more information.
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Media Contact:
Kelly Wessel
917-453-7916