On Oct. 23, the Diocese held its annual White Mass in honor of all healthcare professionals and spiritual care providers. This special Mass was held at St. Adelaide, Highland, with Bishop Alberto Rojas as the principal celebrant.
At the reception, awards were given to exemplary healthcare community members. This year’s recipients were:
Dr. Kim Saruwatari, MD, St. Luke Award (given to a person who has distinguished himself or herself in their discipline in a way that reflects Catholic values and moral ethics);
Rebecca Dejos Cedro, RN, Florence Nightingale Award (given to a licensed nurse who has distinguished himself or herself in the field in a way that reflects Catholic values and moral ethics);
Rosaura M. Ramirez, St. Teresa of Calcutta Award (given to a person who has distinguished himself or herself by providing healthcare services to the poor, the homeless, disadvantaged or marginalized people); and
Father Edmund Afagbegee, St. Damien of Molokai Award (given to a Chaplain who has distinguished himself in providing compassionate and dedicated spiritual care to the sick and dying).