In a recent speech in Krakow, Poland, Pope Francis encouraged teens to make a difference in the world and to avoid the becoming “couch potatoes.”
“…In life there is another, even more dangerous, kind of paralysis…[It] comes from confusing happiness with a sofa. ‘Sofa-happiness!’ A sofa that promises us hours of comfort so we can escape to the world of video games and spend all kinds of time in front of a computer screen.”
He told them that over-use of computers and mobile devices make us “grow drowsy and dull.”
“Dear young people, we didn’t come into this work to vegetate, to take it easy, to make our lives a comfortable sofa to fall asleep on. No, we came for another reason: to leave a mark.”
He encouraged them to trade their sofa “for a pair of walking shoes and to set out on new and uncharted paths.”
“…The times we live in require only active players on the field, and there is no room for those who sit on the bench,” he said.
Those words of Pope Francis apply to adults as well. At St. Francis Healthcare System, we know we cannot rest on our past accomplishments and must be active players in shaping the health our community. We are responsible for finding new ways to meet the changing needs of our community. Then and only then can we truthfully say we are carrying on the legacy of caring that began with Saint Marianne and the Sisters of St. Francis.
We have identified a great need and we are making strides to address that need: caregiver education, training and support services. Too many in our community find they must suddenly be a caregiver and would readily admit they are unprepared for this role. St. Francis is offering sessions on various topics designed to empower, equip and nurture caregivers.
Caregiver support is a critical to advancing our mission of creating healthy communities. If family members are not willing to be caregivers because they don’t know how or have given up because they are burned out, then we can serve as their partner, giving them the strength and resources they need, so that they in turn can be a valuable support to their loved ones.
Let’s all commit to jumping into the fray with the intention of making a difference for Hawaii’s families. Over the years, St. Francis Healthcare System has introduced many services to the community, and today, that same entrepreneurial, compassionate spirit prevails.
Mahalo for your ongoing support!
Jerry Correa
President & CEO