Introduction 

We continue the tradition of celebrating the Healing Ministry week ecumenically. The Christian Medical Association of India (CMAI), National Council of Churches of India (NCCI) and the Catholic Healthcare Networks in India have selected this year’s Healing Week Theme: “Women – leaders in healing ministry!” These Bible studies enhance our understanding of the contribution and role of women in this noble ministry.

 

This booklet is meant for the Catholic Network. 

 

How to Celebrate the Healing Ministry Week?

 

i. In Healthcare Institutions

Arrangements could be made for everyone in the hospital to join the prayers, but with due discretion and full respect for those sick people of other faiths and those with no religious persuasion. Inform the patient’s relatives of the gathering. Printed materials, with inspirational texts and prayers could be distributed. One or more of the patients, if willing and able to do so, may remain alongside the celebrant during readings and prayer; and a few symbolic gestures may also be planned. 

Organize awareness programs and meaningful celebrations for the staff engaged in healthcare. 

 

ii. Community/Parish level

In collaboration with committed volunteers, organize events such as: Paraliturgical Celebrations, Community celebration of the Blessings and Anointing of the Sick, ecumenical bible service, inter-religious prayer service for the sick, health awareness seminar, medical camps, cultural events, charitable events, etc 

 

Your Response

We will be interested to know how you celebrated the Health and Healing Week and the World Day of the Sick. Please write to us. We welcome your suggestions to continue to have meaningful programs in the future. 

 

CBCI Office for Health Care                      

CBCI Centre , 1, Ashok Place, Gole Dakkhana, New Delhi-110 001          

Tel. 011-23340772 / 23340774, Email: info@cbcihealth.org 

 

Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI)  

Director General, The Catholic Health Association of India, 157/6, Staff Road,

Gunrock Enclave, Secunderabad, A.P. , INDIA, Pin: 500009.

Ph: +91-40-27848457, 27848293, directorgeneral@chai-india.org 

               

Acknowledgements 

•For all those who contributed in writing these Bible Studies, especially,  to Rev A I David, UTC, Bangalore; Dr Sujatha Charles, St. Stephens Hospital; Dr Priya John,  CMAI; Ms Anuvinda Varkey, CCHI; Dr Leila Caleb, Rev  Dr George Varghese, Fr Thomas Ninan, CMAI;  Rev Sharth David, CMAI; Sr Helen Saldanha, CBCI. 
 

•Members of Catholic Health Care network, especially CHAI, SDFI, CNGI, and CBCI-CARD 

 

We gratefully acknowledge them for their valuable contributions. 

 

Fr Dr Mathew Abraham C.Ss.R

Secretary, Office for Health Care 

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India