Catholic nurses and health workers in northwestern Dinajpur diocese are learning to become spiritual healers for their patients.

Ninety-four health workers from the predominantly indigenous diocese in Bangladesh attended the first-ever seminar on The Spirituality of the Healer organized by the diocesan health commission at the Dinajpur Pastoral Center on Sept. 5.

“Spirituality for health workers is much more than just earning money,” Father Bijoy Pereira, one of the keynote speakers told the gathering. “They must be fully aware that God’s grace showers on patients through them,” he explained.

Father Pereira, who is rector of the diocesan intermediate seminary, added that health workers also needed to take care of their own spiritual selves.

“Most people run after money but the life of health workers is different. This life requires more spiritual blessings,” said Sister Gloria Gomes from the Sisters of Charity congregation who supervises nurses at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Dinajpur.

“Health workers represent Jesus in front of their patients,” added Father Albert Soren, assistant director of Dhanjuri Leprosy Control Center.

Eva Rodriques, 24, a medical college student, said t the seminar had given her a boost in her work

“I never realized that spirituality is so important for a Catholic health worker,” she said.

“I feel a thirst for spiritual development that will help me with my job and my patients,” she added.

Health worker, Prince Roy, also endeavors to live out his spirituality in his work. “For me spirituality comes through the sacrifice that I have always tried to make during my 12-year health career,” he said.

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