August 4, 2020
Sr. Cecilia Sambor, a member of our Pastoral Care Team, has been sharing a weekly reflection with staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. This week, she focused her inspirational reflection on what it means to be a hero.
The Heroes of St. Augustine Health Ministries
How would you define a Healthcare Hero? Here are a few definitions:
Someone who has valor, one who puts their life on the line for another, one who takes major risks, one who works diligently, one who works many hours, one who has a personal impact on others, one who is an inspiration to another, one who sacrifices a lot, one who sets aside their own personal agenda, one who goes the extra mile to take care of the sick and ailing, one who has unlimited kindness, love, compassion; one who has empathy; one who goes above and beyond their duty to ensure the safety of those entrusted to their care — and yes, a frontline hero is one who continues to carry the heaviest parts of this load in providing care.
We all work in many different and diverse roles and settings — and many of us wear many different hats — but we hopefully all share a common commitment to safeguard the health, safety and well-being of all those who reside and live at the various campuses under the Health Ministries.
What you do day in and day out is nothing short of heroic. You are so dedicated, so courageous, so compassionate and caring. We are blessed to have each one of you.
Real life heroes don’t run around wearing capes; they wear gloves, masks, and uniforms and are called healthcare workers.
We know that our caring for others is more than a profession; it is a calling and mission as we continue the healing ministry of Christ. Thank you all for being our supermen and superwomen — OUR HEROES — at St. Augustine.
In our lifetime, we have never experienced a healthcare crisis like the one we are facing now with the Coronavirus 19. This is new territory for all of us.
As individuals, each of us carry our own anxiety, fears and worries. We are working through this pandemic at great personal risk to ourselves and our families.
None of us signed up for a job considered high risk or one that would ask us to give up time with family, friends and even the simple reassurance of a human hug.
Our patron St. Augustine wrote, “What does LOVE look like?”
It has hands to help others.
It has feet to hasten to the poor and the needy.
It has eyes to see the misery and want.
It has ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men and women.
THAT IS WHAT LOVE LOOKS LIKE”
YOU are WHAT LOVE LOOKS LIKE!
We thank you for willingly accepting and caring for each of our residents day in and day out as well as caring for each other. Compassion and love are alive and well on our campuses. This is what makes you heroes to the residents and our families.
Be assured of my daily prayers for each one of you and let us remember to pray for each other. Let us pray that we may know the care, the peace, and the mercy of Christ in our lives.
God’s Blessings Be Upon You and Your Loved Ones Always!
Sr. Cecilia Sambor, SSMI, Pastoral Care
