From the Principal

CARING FOR THOSE UNWELL

Most people would consider their good health and the functioning of their senses to be absolutely critical to their wellbeing and enjoyment of life. Certainly, when we have minor episodes of poor health such as a cold, a broken limb, a wound to heal, or even a bee sting, we expect and experience a speedy recovery.

Other illnesses of a more grave nature for people of any age are more serious for the sufferer and the carer. A whole list of serious instances of severe illnesses could be listed.

Let us pray for the ill in our family, our College and anywhere. We pray for recovery, recuperation, complete or partial healing, a return to bonhomie and hearty health. On this we depend on God’s intercession as Christians, on the expertise of medical professionals, on a caring community which Governments support by creating and funding hospitals and medical institutions, and the spirit of the patient, that they retain hope and do as they are instructed.

At this time, the Christian world prays for the Holy Father, Pope Francis. As his stay in hospital extends in time, there are millions throughout the world who are fervently praying for a return to health. We know that the Pope is elderly and that he has always been incapacitated in his breathing. Nevertheless, we pray with hope in this Jubilee Year of the Catholic Church.

There are always those who are ill and we pray for intercession, both human and divine. Family members’ health is foremost in the mind of the Monican, either a sick parent or sibling, an ailing grandparent, a frail cousin or aunt. Some are hospitalised, some are restricted in bed at home. Some diseases are terminal: others are serious and cause for genuine concern. Practical help, attention to needs, physical presence, compassion for the ill or dying are ways in which we demonstrate care.

If we consider how the Church cares for the ill then Catholics should be proud. Many saints have been doctors and nurses of great competence, many religious orders have devoted their members’ lives to health (including mental health), current hospitals in Melbourne including the Mercy, St Vincent’s, Cabrini Hospitals do excellent work. Social agencies like St Vincent de Paul are there to support those in need, hospitals specifically for children, the unwell, specific health conditions, and palliative care for conducted in the Melbourne Archdiocese.

On behalf of our Monican community, I extend condolences, support, prayers and best wishes to any member of our community who is confronting ill health personally or caring for an ill person, family or friend or patient. May moments of discovery burst into the lives of those for whom ill health is a reality or cause for concern.

B.E. Hanley OAM

B.A., Dip. Ed. Grad. Dip. Ed. Admin., M.Ed., MACE, FACEL

College Principal