Catholic MDs feeling fit

By Laureen McMahon

New energy and new life have been breathed into the Catholic Physicians Guild of the Vancouver Archdiocese.

Fuelled by the emphasis of the Archdiocesan Synod on adult catechesis, the CPG is undergoing a revival to support Catholic doctors in their efforts to be the guardians and servants of human life, said Archbishop Michael Miller, CSB.

The archbishop offered the Mass for CPG members on Jan. 11 at Holy Rosary Cathedral. Such a Mass, offered for the intentions of health care providers, is often referred to as a White Mass.

The physicians guild, said the archbishop, has at its core the aim of helping doctors meet the challenge to practise medicine in a society which increasingly devalues the sanctity of human existence.

"On behalf of Archbishop Raymond Roussin and the archdiocese, I ask you to accept our appreciation for your generous service to the human person undertaken with self-sacrifice as you collaborate with God in the still-continuing work of His creation."

Membership in the CPG is open to all active and retired doctors and dentists as well as medical students, interns, and residents.

Dr. Howie Bright, former CPG president and one of two doctors serving as Canadian regional directors of the Catholic Medical Association based in Philadelphia, told The B.C. Catholic that, while the guild's primary purpose is to support physicians in their healing ministry, it also provides a forum for education on medical ethics issues and missionary activities.

Two trips to Vietnam last year

Archbishop Miller said he was delighted to see so many young doctors attending the CPG Mass.

"You can do much to help doctors stay committed to having absolute respect for human life and its sacredness, and to remaining courageously on the side of the divine law which guides human life.

"Devoted as you are to helping the sick and the suffering, your collaboration is on the loftiest level. Far beyond just practising the healing arts, a Catholic doctor offers a special spiritual medicine: the warmth of genuine human contact."

This loving touch, the archbishop added, helps the sick to regain not only their physical health, but also their psychological, spiritual, and moral wellbeing.

Christ's radical encounter with the leper who begged to be healed, said Archbishop Miller, suggests that "something strikingly new was afoot in this Man Whose birth for us we have just celebrated.

"Lepers suffered physical and moral isolation, and if they approached others, could be stoned according to the law. They even had to warn others of their approach by clanging a bell!

"But what did the Lord Jesus do when He was approached by an `unclean' leper? He did the unthinkable for a Jew by stretching out His hand and touching him."

This action reveals the essential story of salvation for us today, the archbishop explained. Jesus restores to medical and moral health those who call upon Him, offering a life of abundance today and eternal life after death, full and happy.

Dr. Walter Kazun, a CPG member since 1954, was presented with the Canadian Physicians Guild inaugural award at the reception which followed the Mass by guild president Dr. Jim Lane.

Dr. Kazun has been an active Catholic all his life and a champion of the rights of the unborn, Dr. Lane noted.

"He made many trips to Ottawa to lobby MPs on pro-life issues, and in 1970, when the B.C. Medical Association tried to pass a code of ethics forcing physicians to refer women for abortions if they requested, he challenged them to take away his licence should such an act be approved.

"Needless to say," said Dr. Lane, "he never, ever, referred any woman for an abortion, and he continued to practise medicine with his licence intact until he retired."

Dr. Kazun acted as the referral physician for Birthright, an organization which has helped countless women with a crisis pregnancy, said Dr. Lane.

"One cannot begin to count the number of lives Walter has touched in his many years of life as a father and family man, a man of courage, faith, and conviction.

"He counselled troubled teens, and visited high schools to talk on the abortion issue. He gave support and encouragement wherever he went. The CPG has been lucky to have him as an example of faith, love, and service. We are grateful to him as a wonderful role model, mentor, and man of wisdom."

The next Catholic Physicians Guild meeting is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 9. Guest speaker and CPG chaplain Father John Horgan will discuss Lourdes.

On Saturday, March 29, Dr. Lane will talk about two missions he made to Vietnam last year in company with other physicians, dentists, and members of the clergy.

CPG meetings take place at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Vancouver after the 9 a.m. Saturday Mass offered by Father Horgan.

More information is available at www.rcav.org at Catholic Professional Organizations.