JERUSALEM – March 18, 2014. Lent: time for prayer, penance and charity. Time to remember our brothers and sisters in need. This is how the idea of having a Taizé prayer in the French hospital St. Louis, came to life through cooperation of the hospital, Franciscan friars, Salesian friars and members of St. James Vicariate for Hebrew speaking Catholics.
The French hospital of St. Louis, is run by the sisters of St. Joseph and is 150 years old. The hospital is specializing in palliative care for patients with cancer, and also receives geriatric patients with special needs. The hospital is a real example of co-existence and peace between Palestinian and Israelis. A very big contribution to the hospital is made by the presence of volunteers, from all over the world, who give a lot of love and tender care for the patients of the hospital.
On Tuesday, the 18th of March gathered together in the beautiful church of the hospital patients, staff members, religious from different denominations, and many lay persons who came together to pray for the sick and needy.
In the beginning of the prayers, conducted by brother Alberto Pari, OFM, a prayer by Brother Roger was recited in several languages:
“God of compassion,
disconcerted by the incomprehensible suffering of the innocent,
we pray for those who are experiencing times of trial.
Inspire the hearts of those who seek
the peace that
is so indispensable for the whole human family.”
At the end of the prayer, Sr. Monika Dullman, the Chief Nurse of the hospital thanked brother Alberto, the Salesian friars and Benedetto, seminarian from St. James Vicariate and for all the participants who came to pray and support the patients.
After the prayer there was a time for socializing, and getting to know the stories of some of the patients, which are refugees from countries that are in a state of war.
Hopefully this kind of initiative will continue in the future so that the peace of Taizé may fill the hearts of all and bring comfort to the sick.
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