“This is a place of evangelization. All we do here is done in Jesus’ name,” Bishop Edward Malesic told the staff, volunteers and leadership gathered in St. John Medical Center’s chapel for Mass on April 12.
The bishop spent much of the morning greeting patients, visitors, staff, volunteers and caregivers at the Westlake hospital. His visit began with a Mass concelebrated by Father Dan Fickes, hospital chaplain, and Father Eric Garris, diocesan vocation director.
He recalled visiting a young man recently who had gone to another hospital with chest pains. Understandably, his family and friends were concerned and the patient was frightened. “But I believe Jesus was in that hospital room,” he said. “Jesus works through human instruments, through eyes, ears and hands.”
The bishop told those gathered that it was a special grace for him to be there with them. “Anyone who comes to lift the spirits of those in need are special instruments of grace,” he said. Reflecting on the Gospel, he noted that the crowd that followed Jesus felt something or saw something in him that made them want to be near him.
(See photo gallery above.)
“Those who ask do receive,” he said, adding that even those who are away from Jesus for a long time may find him when they are sick or in need. “They may forget they have him and he is always with us in all we do.”
Bishop Malesic said Jesus is everywhere in the hospital – in the operating room with the doctor, in the compassionate spirit of the nurses and all caregivers and staff who help the patients. “We just need eyes to see him.”
He thanked the medical professionals and others for all they do to ensure the patients and their loved ones are cared for.
“May Jesus always be the heart of this hospital, a place where Jesus feeds, nourishes and heals us,” he added.
After Mass, hospital officials guided the bishop on a tour of certain areas of the hospital, including the newly renovated maternity wing that will open in a few weeks. He also posed for a photo with hospital officials and had a chance to greet Gracie, an 8-year-old golden retriever therapy dog.