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Carole Mikita ReportingDoctors, nurses and medical technicians at St. Mark's Hospital participated in a ceremony that blesses the work they do. They all believe that faith is a large part of the healing process.
A Native American healer blessed the ground where each ceremony took place. On this day, the hands of the healers are held, prayers are said to help each person who cares for the sick -- doctors, medical technicians, nurses.
Betty Card, R. N., Surgical Nurse: "It does bring a peace, a calmness to the surgery center we work in."
The blessing of the hands also brings unity among the religious participants; they all believe that faith is a key part of healing.
Deacon David Osman, Roman Catholic Church "The interdenominational thing I think and to support the whole concept, it think it's a beautiful thing."
Jody Davis, Latter-day Saint Chaplain: "I've realized that how we need to be so understanding and so open to listening and learning from other people."
All of the caregivers at St. Mark's have an opportunity to have their hands blessed by those of their own faith or all of the faiths represented there. In one case we witnessed, the blessing encompasses both gratitude and a years' long friendship.
Jerry Sonkens, M.D., St. Mark's Surgeon: "Over 25 years ago I operated on him and now he's returning the favor by blessing my hands, the hands of a surgeon for the process of healing."
Father Lincoln Ure, St. Mark's Chaplain: "He actually blessed me with something. After he operated on me, I quit smoking. You know, with his advice, he's an LDS bishop and I’m an Episcopal priest and he said, ‘You know, you need to quit smoking Lincoln,’ and I quit."
Although their hands are today dedicated to the art of healing, they also remember the love expressed for one another and each patient in the hospital.
This is the third annual "Blessing of the Hands" service at St. Mark's Hospital.
