Pope hospital visit: Jesus close
to us in our frailty and in our wounds
 |
| Pope meets medical staff at St Louis Hospital in Bangkok (Vatican Media) |
Pope Francis visits the patients and staff of the St. Louis
Hospital in Bangkok, which this year is celebrating the 120th anniversary of
its foundation.
By Lydia O'Kane
The St Louis Hospital in Bangkok was founded in 1898 by the
Apostolic Victor of Siam, Archbishop Louis Vey. Its mission is based on the
motto “Where love is, there God is”. Today the hospital is run by a team of
doctors, nurses and researchers with the help of state of the art medical
equipment.
Addressing around 700 staff in the hospital’s auditorium on
Thursday, Pope Francis said it was a blessing for him “to witness at first hand
this valuable service that the Church offers to the Thai people, especially to
those most in need.”
Ubi caritas, Deus ibi est
Making reference to the hospital’s motto, the Pope said that
“it is precisely in the exercise of charity that we Christians are called not
only to demonstrate that we are missionary disciples, but also to test our own
fidelity, and that of our institutions, to that discipleship.”
“You are missionary disciples in the field of health care”,
highlighted the Pontiff, who are capable of finding God in every human being,
especially the elderly, the young and those most vulnerable.
“Seen in this way”, he added, “you carry out one of the
greatest works of mercy, for your commitment to health care goes far beyond the
simple and praiseworthy practice of medicine.”
Embracing human life
“It is about welcoming and embracing human life as it
arrives at the Hospital’s emergency room, needing to be treated with the
merciful care born of love and respect for the dignity of each human person”,
he said.
“The healing process”, Pope Francis underlined, “should
rightly be seen as a powerful anointing capable of restoring human dignity in
every situation, a gaze that grants dignity and provides support.”
During his address, the Pope noted how at times the work of
hospital staff “can prove burdensome and tiring.” He commented that,
“this speaks to us of the need for a health care ministry in which not only
patients, but every member of this community can feel cared for and supported
in his or her mission.”
Jesus is close to us in our frailty
“Each of us knows how illness brings with it questions
that dig deep”, emphasized Pope Francis. “Our first reaction may be to
rebel and even experience moments of bewilderment and desolation.”
But, “by uniting ourselves to Jesus in His passion”,
stressed the Pope, “we discover the power of His closeness to our frailty and
our wounds.”
At the end of his meeting with staff, Pope Francis made a
private visit to the sick and disabled at the hospital, as a way, he said, “of
accompanying them, however briefly, in their pain.”
The Pope also presented the hospital a with a copy of a
fragment of a fresco depicting the Madonna and Child.
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét