‘God’s touch’ in clinical world: special mass praises health-care workers

Bishops from all four Roman Catholic archdioceses in Manitoba held a special mass to thank health-care workers Wednesday evening in southwest Winnipeg.

Bishops Murray Chatlain of Winnipeg, Albert Legatt of Saint Boniface, Lawrence Huculak of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy and Susai Jesu of Keewatin-Le Pas — presided over the first mass of appreciation in the province for all who work in health care in Manitoba.

The mass was sponsored by the Catholic Health Care Association of Manitoba and held at St. Gianna Beretta Molla Parish on the Roman Catholic Church’s world day of the sick. That observance was created by Pope John Paul in 1992 to raise awareness of illness and highlight the work of health-care professionals.

Chatlain opened the mass by praising health workers for doing “the important work of healing ministry.” He went on to say while all Christians are called to “participate in God’s healing work,” those who work in health care have a special opportunity to do it every day.

In his homily, Andriy Rabiy, auxiliary bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy, said that health workers are agents of mercy, persevering despite doing double shifts, dealing with overcrowding and having hallways filled with patients.

“We want to say thanks for your service and hard work,” he said.

Rabiy cited the parable of the Good Samaritan, as told by Jesus in the Bible’s book of Luke.

He compared medical workers to the Samaritan who helped a wounded man by the side of the road. Like him, health workers give something precious to people who are ill besides their skill — their time and attention.

Rabiy said we live in a time of immediacy but despite all the challenges, workers take time to stop and listen.

By doing this, they are “breaking the cycle of indifference,” he said, adding that while machines and drugs are a blessing, they can’t provide comfort or “wipe away tears … you bring God’s touch to a clinical world.”

Rabiy recognized that many people working in health care are often tired, stressed and overworked.

“Burnout is real,” he said. “But don’t let the system harden your hearts … You aren’t just employees of the health authority. You are the church in action. And tonight, all of us want to say thank you.”

Chantal Demers, a palliative care physician, attended the service. She appreciated the gratitude shown and was glad to have an opportunity to celebrate with others the “healing work I can do … a chance to be with and pray with other health-care workers.”

Katarina Lee-Ameduri, the director of ethics and a clinical ethicist at St. Boniface Hospital and the Réseau Compassion Network, said the service was a time of rejuvenation and allowed her to connect with other Catholics in health care.

A Deer Lodge social worker said the service helped her see her work in a different way.

“It’s a ministry, not just a job,” Juliet Obiekwe said.

Gladys Hrabi, CEO of the Catholic Health Association of Manitoba, said the presence of bishops from all four archdioceses “sent a strong signal” about how important health-care workers are.

The service, which will be held again next year, was a time for “blessing the hands and hearts of those who accompany people through illness, suffering, and recovery, often under tremendous pressure,” she said.

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