CatholicCare chaplains work in hospitals and prisons throughout Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. They accompany and minister to people facing serious or life-threatening health conditions. They are there for those in need of prayer, companionship and a listening ear.
Father Marcelo is a chaplain at Westmead Hospital and the Children’s Hospital at Westmead. As a priest ordained in the Camillian Order, Father Marcelo’s vocation is to carry out the mission of their founder, Saint Camillus, to care for the infirm.
As he told us, “St. Camillus taught us to see the presence of Christ himself in every sick person we care for. Together with my fellow chaplains, it is my calling to live out his mission and alleviate their suffering. We do this for the Lord, and for the good of our sick brothers and sisters.”
Available to everyone, regardless of their faith. As Christ’s disciples on Earth, we have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home those who have lost their way.
“As chaplains, we help, heal and alleviate distress in people’s time of need,” Father Marcelo explains. “It’s uplifting for them to have support, whether it’s emotional, spiritual, or connecting them with others.
“For those who are isolated and without family or friends around, we provide companionship and ease loneliness.
“One time, at the hospital, I was called to intensive care because a baby was dying. I prayed over the fragile newborn while doctors frantically tried to resuscitate her. With God’s grace, she recovered. Her Mum, lapsed in faith, was so touched and grateful, she wanted to open herself up to return to God’s love and have her baby baptised.”
Fr Marcelo. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
This Easter, we can all be Good Samaritans
As it says in the Gospel according to Mark, 12: 28-34, “You must love your neighbour as yourself.”
As a devoted member of our Church, I know that you live this philosophy every day, through your Christian actions and prayers.
With a generous gift, you will help CatholicCare chaplains to listen, connect with and care for people in hospital and prison who might otherwise feel alone or abandoned.
Please, support our CatholicCare chaplains as they answer their calling to be beacons of love and hope with a gift today via yourcatholicfoundation.org.au/appeal. You can also call (02) 8838 3482 to donate.
Your compassion and continued prayers will enable CatholicCare chaplains to carry on the work of Jesus in the footsteps of the Good Samaritan. Thank you for accompanying us on our journey and may God always bless you.
