Our “Calcutta” in Our Backyard
In 1952, Blessed Mother Teresa started “House of Pure Heart,” a home for those abandoned on the streets to die. She would reach out to those who were unwanted and unloved to provide the hospice care they needed so they could die with dignity.
This Sunday, September 4, Blessed Mother Teresa will be canonized and become Saint Teresa. She would often tell people to work with the poor and needy where they lived instead of coming to volunteer with the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India. “Calcutta is everywhere,” she would say.
That is good, saintly advice. Right here in Hawaii, in our communities, there are many in need. St. Francis Healthcare System has the will, desire and expertise to provide the care and attention families need. We can take Mother Teresa’s advice and serve right where we are, every day.
Despite being surrounded by those who were destitute, sick and dying, Mother Teresa never gave up. She persevered to bring joy into the lives of others. Just as Mother Teresa overcame new challenges every day, we have the same opportunities to do whatever it takes to deliver quality care for our patients, participants, and their families.
All of us at St. Francis are thankful for the Sisters of St. Francis. They paved the way for us to serve in this healthcare ministry and now we have the privilege of carrying on their legacy of caring to bring glory to God.
Saint Marianne, known as the Mother of Outcasts for her work with those afflicted with Hansen’s disease, also had sage, saintly advice after serving in Hawaii for 17 years: “Let us make the very best use of the precious moments and do all in our power for His dear sake and for His greater honor and glory.”
Five years later, in 1905, she emphasized the same point: “Let us make the best use of the fleeting moments. They will not return.”
That’s a message for all of us today. Let’s serve with all of our hearts – in these fleeting moments – to make a lasting, positive difference in the lives of others all around us.
Jerry Correa
President & CEO