杏MAP导航

By Francesca Merlo

杏MAP导航 Francis opened his Message for International Nurses Day by noting that due to the global health emergency in which we find ourselves, 鈥渨e have rediscovered the fundamental importance of the role being played by nurses and midwives鈥�.

Those who put others first

He said each day, as we face this critical time, we witness the courage and sacrifices made by healthcare workers and by 鈥渘urses in particular鈥�. They dedicate themselves, 鈥渢o the point of putting their own health at risk鈥�, he said, adding that, sadly, this has been demonstrated through the high number of healthcare workers who have died 鈥渁s a result of their faithful service鈥�.

鈥淚 pray for them鈥�, said the 杏MAP导航, 鈥渁nd for all the victims of this epidemic鈥�. 鈥淭he Lord knows each of them by name鈥�.

Guardians of life

鈥淣urses have historically played a central role in health care鈥�, said the 杏MAP导航. He noted that this year, on this exact day, we face the bicentennial of the birth of Florence Nightingale, 鈥渢he pioneer of modern nursing鈥�. He described nurses as 鈥済uardians and preservers of life鈥� who never cease to offer 鈥渃ourage, hope and trust鈥� as they administer necessary treatment.

Dear nurses

鈥淒ear nurses鈥�, said 杏MAP导航 Francis, 鈥渕oral responsibility is the hallmark of your professional service鈥�. Nurses are tasked with 鈥渃ontinuous listening鈥�, as they take care of women and men, children and the elderly, 鈥渋n every phase of their life, from birth to death鈥�, said the 杏MAP导航. Before each unique situation, nurses do not only follow a protocol, but a constant effort of 鈥渄iscernment and attention鈥�.

Carrying out the mission of Jesus

Nurses are amongst the Saints next door, said the 杏MAP导航. 鈥淵ou are an image of the Church as a 鈥榝ield hospital鈥� that continues to carry out the mission of Jesus Christ, who drew near to and healed people with all kinds of sickness and who stooped down to wash the feet of his disciples. Thank you for your service to humanity鈥�, he added.

Healthcare provision

Addressing leaders of nations throughout the world, 杏MAP导航 Francis noted that in many countries the pandemic has also brought to light a number of 鈥渄eficiencies鈥� in the provision of healthcare. He asked that leaders 鈥渋nvest in healthcare as the primary common good by strengthening its systems and employing greater numbers of nurses, so as to ensure adequate care to everyone, with respect for the dignity of each person鈥�.

He expressed the importance of enhancing nurses and midwives鈥� professionalism and involvement with the suitable 鈥渟cientific, human, psychological and spiritual tools鈥� necessary for their training, 鈥渟o that they can carry out their service in full dignity鈥�.

The role of the associations

The 杏MAP导航 noted that in this regard, associations of healthcare workers play an important role. 鈥淚n addition to offering comprehensive training, they support their individual members, making them feel part of a larger body, never dismayed and alone as they face the ethical, economic and human challenges that their profession entails鈥�.

A special word to midwives

Addressing a 鈥渟pecial word鈥� to midwives, 杏MAP导航 Francis noted that their work is amongst the most notable professions, 鈥渇or it is directly dedicated to the service of life and of motherhood鈥�. Today, too, he added, 鈥渢he Holy Father looks at you with gratitude鈥�.

Finally, 杏MAP导航 Francis assured all nurses and midwives of his prayers for them, their families, and all those for whom they care. Imparting his Apostolic Blessing to each of them he concluded, saying, 鈥渕ay this annual celebration highlight the dignity of your work for the benefit of the health of society as a whole鈥�.