New blood, new life
By Sr. Mary Hughes, O.L.M.
Summer 2005
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In the little garden near the infirmary of Sao Jos. Hospital, Francisco and his mother spend time together and enjoy a visit from Sr. Mary Hughes (left) and Scarboro missioner Beverly Trach. Francisco was very sick when he was admitted and is recuperating well. Since his family live quite a distance from the city, visits with his mother are rare and precious, and very important to his well-being.
For the past 12 years my ministry has consisted of visiting people with AIDS in Sao Jos. Hospital. Having practiced nursing in Toronto and here in Fortaleza, Brazil, I have come to feel a special compassion for those who are suffering. I believe I can help them to live with their disease and to accept their frailty, while hoping to be relieved or cured. Listening to their stories is a very important part of caring. This is an important aspect of my ministry.
When I worked as a nurse in hospitals, I always felt I would like to give more time to some of the patients. Usually the workload did not permit it. Now that I am retired, I am able to spend more time with patients, listening to them, reading stories to them, and sometimes writing or reading letters for them. Our Pastoral Health Team consists of four regular members. Last October we welcomed Scarboro missioner Beverly Trach. Beverly adds new energy to the team and we are delighted that she is with us. The patients really look forward to our visits.
In addition to her work on the Pastoral Health Team, Beverly is a member of the archdiocesan team accompanying street children, other young people, women's groups and homeless adults. Fortaleza, Brazil.
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