Gold Mass to Be Offered for Catholic Scientists

Some see a conflict between faith and science. But for Fr. Peter Turrone, pastor of the Newman Centre and the holder of a doctorate degree in science, scientists have a beautiful vocation.

“Science, when it’s done properly, can be an act of worship to God,” said Fr. Peter.

To honour Catholic scientists, science students, science teachers and anyone who loves science, Fr. Peter is offering a Gold Mass on Friday, November 15, 2019 at 7 p.m. at the Newman Centre.

Some may know of Blue Masses for law enforcement officers, Red Masses for lawyers or White Masses for medical professionals, all of which have long traditions.

Gold Masses are a fairly recent celebration, with the first one occurring in 2016 in Boston.

Before becoming a priest, Fr. Peter earned a PhD from the University of Toronto in a collaborative program of medical science and neuroscience. He also worked as a research scientist studying how to reduce serious side effects for those taking anti-psychotic medication.

In his 2018 Augustine’s Seminary convocation address Fr. Peter described how science, philosophy and faith support each other in our quest to answer the biggest questions:

The Catholic Church affirms that the human mind can come to know through the study of nature alone that there is a Transcendent Being. The study of philosophy involves asking and answering the most fundamental human questions. … [Faith makes] it easier to see intellectually the connection between the human sciences, and how they fit into a unifying vision of the human person within the cosmos.

Gold Masses typically occur on November 15, the Feast Day of St. Albert the Great, the patron saint of scientists. To see a list of parishes offering Gold Masses (or to watch science lectures from a religious perspective) visit the Society of Catholic Scientists website.

All are welcome to celebrate the Gold Mass at the Newman Centre’s St. Thomas Aquinas Parish (89 St. George’s St., Toronto) on Friday, November 15 at 7 p.m. A reception will follow the Mass.