Comfort, faith and companionship hallmarks of Diocesan World Day of the Sick
July 29, 2019 at 12:37 p.m.
By Lois Rogers | Correspondent
Wrapped in prayer, warmed by the healing presence of faith, patients, medical staff, caregivers and members of the community at large gathered Feb. 11 in St. Francis Medical Center, Trenton, for the diocesan celebration of the World Day of the Sick.
Commemorated annually on Feb. 11, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, patroness of the infirm, the day was instituted in 1992 by St. John Paul II, one year after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
The observance of the 23rd annual World Day of the Sick began with morning visits to patients and staff in the wings of the landmark Catholic hospital by Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio, diocesan vicar general and moderator of the curia. He bestowed blessings “in the name of” Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., who is recovering from surgery.
The Mass which followed in the hospital chapel was attended by upwards of 100 medical personnel, administrative staff, caregivers, volunteers and members of the community at large. In his homily, Msgr. Gervasio moved hearts as he shared his personal experience with the power of prayer in the very hospital where he was born 59 years ago.
The monsignor, a Trenton native who is pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton, told of how he was born prematurely, weighing only two-and-a-half pounds and how the hospital staff, including the Sisters of St. Francis who occupied what was then a four-floor convent attached to the hospital, strove to keep him alive.
“I like to think that that I am here because of the prayer and care I received from the laity and the religious,” in St. Francis Hospital, he said. He shared stories his family told him of how Sister Rose, whom several people in attendance said they remembered, had kept vigil at his incubator.
“She stayed by me, put an image of the Sacred Heart (on top of ) the incubator” and prayed ceaselessly, he said.
The theme of this year’s celebration is Sapientia Cordis, “I was eyes to the blind, and feet to the lame (Job 29:15) and Msgr. Gervasio encouraged his listeners to consider how much Jesus embodies that sentiment.
“Our Lord (spent) so much of his time” ministering to and healing the sick, he said, counseling those in the chapel to look to the image of the suffering Messiah when they are “baffled” by the suffering of those they love.
“There is no tidy rationale for suffering,” he said. “The only thing to do is look upon the Crucifix … peer into the mystery” of Jesus as the suffering Messiah and take comfort from it. He urged everyone to consider Pope Francis’ reflection on this 23rd World Day of the Sick.
“In his message, Pope Francis focuses on the heart of the caregiver … and the special value of the time spent at the bedside of the sick,” said Msgr. Gervasio.
On behalf of Bishop O’Connell, he thanked everyone connected with the medical center for their good work and devotion.
Just before he blessed everyone in the chapel, he said: “So much good work is carried out here in quiet ways. People should be able to see our good works and praise God.”
At the luncheon that followed in the medical center’s cafeteria, participants reflected on the fact that they are able to share such a meaningful experience in the work place.
Deanna Sass, director of the diocesan Department of Pastoral Care, which organizes the diocesan celebration each year, spoke of the “rich history in our Church in extending care for the sick, suffering and dying.
“From the beautiful Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, to establishing hospitals, hospices and whole healthcare systems, the Catholic family is a model of Our Lord Jesus who cares deeply for the sick.”
Sass said that as we “continue the healing mission of Jesus, through our clergy, chaplains and countless volunteers who visit the sick on a daily basis, God’s love is revealed.”
Norma Monaghan, the medical center’s vice president of development, and J. Delores Baker, its community liaison, echoed Sass, saying that the World Day of the Sick in St. Francis reflects the willingness of those who serve to bring comfort, understanding and a sense of peace to those who suffer.
Doris Clark-Lewis, a parish nurse from Blessed Sacrament-Our Lady of the Divine Shepherd Parish, Trenton, reflected on the day as a special time that adds an extra layer of blessings to those who strive to meet the needs of those who are ill in the parish.
“It uplifts and inspires me and makes me want to do more,” she said.
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By Lois Rogers | Correspondent
Wrapped in prayer, warmed by the healing presence of faith, patients, medical staff, caregivers and members of the community at large gathered Feb. 11 in St. Francis Medical Center, Trenton, for the diocesan celebration of the World Day of the Sick.
Commemorated annually on Feb. 11, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, patroness of the infirm, the day was instituted in 1992 by St. John Paul II, one year after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
The observance of the 23rd annual World Day of the Sick began with morning visits to patients and staff in the wings of the landmark Catholic hospital by Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio, diocesan vicar general and moderator of the curia. He bestowed blessings “in the name of” Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., who is recovering from surgery.
The Mass which followed in the hospital chapel was attended by upwards of 100 medical personnel, administrative staff, caregivers, volunteers and members of the community at large. In his homily, Msgr. Gervasio moved hearts as he shared his personal experience with the power of prayer in the very hospital where he was born 59 years ago.
The monsignor, a Trenton native who is pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton, told of how he was born prematurely, weighing only two-and-a-half pounds and how the hospital staff, including the Sisters of St. Francis who occupied what was then a four-floor convent attached to the hospital, strove to keep him alive.
“I like to think that that I am here because of the prayer and care I received from the laity and the religious,” in St. Francis Hospital, he said. He shared stories his family told him of how Sister Rose, whom several people in attendance said they remembered, had kept vigil at his incubator.
“She stayed by me, put an image of the Sacred Heart (on top of ) the incubator” and prayed ceaselessly, he said.
The theme of this year’s celebration is Sapientia Cordis, “I was eyes to the blind, and feet to the lame (Job 29:15) and Msgr. Gervasio encouraged his listeners to consider how much Jesus embodies that sentiment.
“Our Lord (spent) so much of his time” ministering to and healing the sick, he said, counseling those in the chapel to look to the image of the suffering Messiah when they are “baffled” by the suffering of those they love.
“There is no tidy rationale for suffering,” he said. “The only thing to do is look upon the Crucifix … peer into the mystery” of Jesus as the suffering Messiah and take comfort from it. He urged everyone to consider Pope Francis’ reflection on this 23rd World Day of the Sick.
“In his message, Pope Francis focuses on the heart of the caregiver … and the special value of the time spent at the bedside of the sick,” said Msgr. Gervasio.
On behalf of Bishop O’Connell, he thanked everyone connected with the medical center for their good work and devotion.
Just before he blessed everyone in the chapel, he said: “So much good work is carried out here in quiet ways. People should be able to see our good works and praise God.”
At the luncheon that followed in the medical center’s cafeteria, participants reflected on the fact that they are able to share such a meaningful experience in the work place.
Deanna Sass, director of the diocesan Department of Pastoral Care, which organizes the diocesan celebration each year, spoke of the “rich history in our Church in extending care for the sick, suffering and dying.
“From the beautiful Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, to establishing hospitals, hospices and whole healthcare systems, the Catholic family is a model of Our Lord Jesus who cares deeply for the sick.”
Sass said that as we “continue the healing mission of Jesus, through our clergy, chaplains and countless volunteers who visit the sick on a daily basis, God’s love is revealed.”
Norma Monaghan, the medical center’s vice president of development, and J. Delores Baker, its community liaison, echoed Sass, saying that the World Day of the Sick in St. Francis reflects the willingness of those who serve to bring comfort, understanding and a sense of peace to those who suffer.
Doris Clark-Lewis, a parish nurse from Blessed Sacrament-Our Lady of the Divine Shepherd Parish, Trenton, reflected on the day as a special time that adds an extra layer of blessings to those who strive to meet the needs of those who are ill in the parish.
“It uplifts and inspires me and makes me want to do more,” she said.
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