CHAPLAINCY CORNER
The death of Sr Yvonne Spangler, a dearly loved Chaplain, colleague and friend, ended a life of selfless service. 16 of those years were spent working at Macquarie Hospital where she also mentored 100s of Clinical Pastoral Education students who remember her with great affection. Yvonne loved “Madonna and Child” images, and she chose the figurine for the Chapel (bought with a donation left by Dianne Russell OAM, a previous staff-member) – pictured with the orchid that Yvonne left us. Also featured above is Marc Chagall’s radiant “Mother and Child” from “The Tree of Life” stained-glass window in the Chapelle des Cordeliers, Sarrebourg, France. A visit is on my bucket list! Christmas is a special time for Christians as they remember the birth of Christ over 2000 years ago. However, it is also celebrated across the globe in a multitude of ways according to culture. I was talking to a visitor with a different Faith from mine (as we do) and she reminded me, “We all worship the same God, different name, in our different ways …” Peace on earth, good will to all!
I remember as a child, celebrating Christmas Eve with retired Moravian missionary aunts singing carols around the piano. Our family has continued this Eve tradition accompanied by home-baked lebkuchen, and a very ancient German Feather Xmas tree. The Christmas cards are up – reminders of my time in Europe with real Christmas trees, snow glittering on their branches, and Midnight Mass followed by mulled wine and shortbread … People in hospital will miss the family time and tradition that they are used to. However, the hardworking staff do their best to make it a time of goodwill, joy and blessings … I caught a Christmas Elf sorting individual presents for all the people who will be here!
Our last Chapel Service this year will be Saturday 20 December. Services will resume Wednesday 14 January. The Chaplains, and Pastoral Volunteers thank you for your support throughout the year and pray for peace, safety, health and happiness over this Christmas season. We especially remember people who are grieving or unwell, as it can be a very painful time, reinforced by the seasonal merriment from which there is little escape. Our prayers are with you.
Rosemarie Say Chaplaincy Coordinator
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