The chapel was full. It is small, seating about 100 people. There were people like me, who came for the morning. There were a few nurses and doctors, a few nuns. There are of course hospital visitors, and it seems people who are regulars. I wasn't expecting that, even though I consider myself in search of alternative communities.
The chapel is made of red bricks with pastel glass. The stations of the cross in stained glass line both walls. A cross of Saint Francis hangs behind the altar. The chapel is part of the spiritual center which also includes a meditation garden and a multi faith prayer room.
I read up on the spiritual care program at St. Joe's. (Well, I read the website.) There's the usual daily masses and Eucharistic ministers who bring communion. They offer memorial masses twice a year for those who died in the hospital and have another program for pregnancy loss. And apparently you can request that a harpist come to your room. If any of you have the misfortune of being sick enough to be hospitalized, please ask for the harpist. And then call me to tell me all about it.
There were plenty of Mary themed songs for May. The priest challenged us to spend one month praying for the person who annoys us the most. (I have to pick just one?)
A Nurse's Prayer (from the program)
Oh my God, teach me to receive the sick in your name.
Give success to my efforts for the glory of your name.
Without your help, I cannot succeed.
Fill me with your spirit of joy and peace.
Keep my mind and memory alert, my heart warm, and my body filled with energy.
Gracious God, let your healing energy move through me without resistance,
so that each patient with whom I work might be touched by your love.
Bless each of my companion of nurses.
Let us know your presence in and about us, as we try today to do all for your glory
and for the health of your people.
Amen
I'll be posting again this week to catch up. Just to let you know, it was St. Ignatius for win.
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