Taizé prayer at French Hospital

Lent is a time for prayer, penance and charity, a 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, took form with the cooperation of the hospital, Franciscan friars, Salesian brothers and members of the Saint James Vicariate for Hebrew speaking Catholics.

The French hospital of St. Louis, is run by the Sisters of Saint Joseph and is 150 years old. The hospital specializes 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 Palestinians 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 patients, staff members, religious from different denominations, and many lay persons gathered together in the beautiful church of the hospital to pray for the sick and needy.

At the beginning of the prayer, conducted by Fra 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 Matron of the hospital thanked Fr. Alberto, the Salesian brothers and Benedetto, seminarian from the Saint 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.