There are 2 articles on this title. You are reading the article ranked and rated #1 by Helium's members.
address. Thus pastoral care plays an important role in emotional, psychological, spiritual and social healing and well being of a person. It is this pastoral care that many secular health care facilities have but does not adequately fulfill. At Queens of Peace Residence, I saw one the best complimentary ministry to the needy through both medical and spiritual methods. Many of the sisters themselves were playing a dual role both as medical professionals and as spiritual comforters. Many sisters talked with the patients, encouraged spiritual hymns, engaged numerous patients in activities such as bowling and painting and simply being there for the patient (which is a great comfort for those who do not get frequent visits from family members). Just the day before I went to Queen of Peace, a patient passed away but due to the financial burden of holding a wake in a another private facility, the family decided to hold the wake at Queen of Peace. The health care facility thus provides a more economically sensible, caring and loving environment to the patient as well as to their loved ones. In the wake, family member and sisters as well as a few patients all came to say a few prayers and to comfort each other it was a sense of a community that shared in the grief and loved the patient as much as the family. The love of Christ was truly present in that facility, evident through the staff interactions, the atmosphere in the health care institution and the obvious joy that emanated from the patients. Each person in the facility felt valued and loved and all the patients seemed to enjoy being there. The patients were respected for who they were by the staff, instead of the staff having an attitude as if the patients were a burden. Many health care institutions are missing this key ingredient of care. A lot of the employees take a non-caring attitude and does not immerse themselves in their work; rather they do it for the sake of the money. At least in a Catholic health care facility, I know they do not do it for the money because they pay is not as great compared to a secular facility. However, the staff does a much better job than any secular facility I have seen so far. That standard of care is much higher and the patient is valued. This service learning experience was something that was truly good and Queens of Peace Residence was a great facilitator of this learning experience. It was also comforting to see the love of God and human dignity given a place in this modern health care system full of moral controversies and ethical dilemmas.
Learn more about this author, Ebey Soman.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.
Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:
by Ebey Soman
Jesus Christ, during his ministry on earth, always went to the poor and needy and gave his all ministering to the vulnerable
by Bai Maleiha
In 1992, Bapa looked so happy with his eyes sparkling with gratefulness. I called him "bapa" (read:meaning uncle in the Maguindanaon
Add your voice
Know something about The joys of community service?
We want to hear your view.
Write now!
Cast your vote!
Click for your side.
Featured Partner
The National Pollution Prevention Roundtable (NPPR)
The National Pollution Prevention Roundtable (NPPR) is a national forum that promotes the development, implementation...more
hide