杏MAP导航 Francis calls for putting the sick back at the centre of care
By Edoardo Giribaldi
杏MAP导航 Francis met with members of the Italian Association against Leukaemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma on Saturday morning of 14 December. In his address he encouraged them to continue in their efforts, as expressed in the motto chosen for their gathering, 鈥淭ogether we illuminate the future鈥�. He noted the challenges in their work of providing light in the face of the "darkness of pain" where the sick too often find themselves, sometimes discarded "in the name of efficiency and strength" as illness is often pereived as a defeat, whereas in illness, "even when all seems lost, it is possible to hope".
Solidarity and closeness
The 杏MAP导航's meeting with the Association's members took place in the Paul VI Hall on the occasion of its 55th anniversary. He began by thanking the delegation for their commitment to numerous outreach activities in which they are engaged, including funding research, developing specialised centres, and welcoming and caring for patients in their homes. In a word, "proximity", defined as "one of God's qualities".
Bringing people to the centre
Recalling the theme they are discussing, "Together we illuminate the future", the 杏MAP导航 then highlighted the need to offer light "with friendship, closeness and listening" and ensure that we bring the sick back to the centre of our care. Their stories and relationships can help find "meaning in pain and give answers to the many 'whys'", as "even when all seems lost, it is possible to hope."
Giving of oneself
From the word "illuminate", the 杏MAP导航 then focused on the word "giving". Its "virtuous logic" is an antidote to consumerism, he said, " which "apparently would even like to take possession of our lives". In the perspective of Christmas, the 杏MAP导航 encouraged everyone to look to Christ child, "so that we can all be saved."
Grass roots presence
Lastly, the 杏MAP导航 focused on the idea of the "town square", a place where the Association is present "on the streets and works from the grass roots" throughout Italy. The 杏MAP导航 highlighted their commitment to inspire and "be a tangible sign and a visible but never intrusive presence" and their "desire to be with the people, to share their pain, to be good Samaritans". This commitment offers a concrete contribution, he said, increasing "the knowledge that is part of the best Italian healthcare tradition" and ensuring "attention to people who need to feel accompanied in therapy."
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