As the Vatican Pharmacy celebrates its 150th anniversary, Pope Francis met with its staff and hoped that they would become “supplementers of charity” and “distributors of mercy.”
(Vatican News) Pharmacists, both lay and religious, are called to be “supplements of charity”, caring closely for patients, giving them courage and willingness to sacrifice, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The earth becomes a “dispenser of mercy”, giving “God’s gentle solace” by listening attentively. Pope Francis described their services this way when he met with Vatican Pharmacy staff on September 18.
The Vatican Pharmacy originated from the idea of Pope Gregory XVI and was later founded by Blessed Pius IX. It is now celebrating its 150th anniversary. Pope Francis points out that service to the sick is service to the wounded God who bears the wounds of the Cross.
Ed’s Supplements
The Vatican Pharmacy was entrusted to the management of the Brothers of Benevolence. Pope Francis reviewed the history of the pharmacy and mentioned that during the Second Vatican Council, before each meeting, the pharmacy was always crowded with “bishops from all over the world buying medicines” and there were also two religious people engaged in medical work. , a doctor and two stretcher-bearers are on standby at the first aid station in case of emergency.
Today, the Vatican Pharmacy is “unique not only because it serves directly the Successor of Peter and the Congregation for the Holy See, but also because it is called to be a “supplement of charity” that, in addition to selling medicines, We must care for the most vulnerable and take care of the sick.”
The spirit of sacrifice and dedication during the epidemic
This care is not exclusive to Vatican employees and residents of the Vatican City State, but is also invested in “people who need special medicines that are difficult to find elsewhere.” The Pope therefore expresses his gratitude to all those who serve at the Vatican Pharmacy, saying: “Thank you for your professionalism and dedication, and for the spirit of receptivity and readiness with which you carry out your duties. This sometimes requires hard work and a willingness to sacrifice, and in a pandemic This is especially true during this period.”
The apostleship of listening with ears
The job of a pharmacist is not easy. The Pope pointed out that many people who come to pharmacies, “especially the elderly,” in today’s crazy pace, often need more than just medicine, they also need care and a smile, and someone to listen and say words of comfort.
“Do not forget this: the apostleship of the ears, listening and listening. This may seem boring at times, but for the speaker it is the gentle caress of God through you. The apothecary is the one who reaches out Being close to people’s hands conveys not only medicine, but also courage and care.”
giver of mercy
The Pope encouraged everyone present to keep up their efforts, because they can do a lot of good every day, “making the services of the Vatican Pharmacy more efficient and modern, showing the careful care and warm acceptance that bear witness to the Gospel.”
The Pope finally gave pharmacists a spiritual advice, saying: “From time to time, you must raise your eyes to Jesus on the cross and fix your eyes on the wounded God with his wounds. The service you perform for the sick is for Him. From now on. It is a wonderful thing to draw from the Heavenly Physician the strength of patience, kindness, and tireless love. … In this way, you too can become those who share mercy every day.”
Link URL: www.vaticannews.cn
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2023-09-19 10:20:46
