Ministry of Care and Companionship

We follow the example of Jesus and Mary
as we care for the sick and comfort the dying.

As Catholics we are Christian disciples committed to follow the way of the Lord whose response to suffering was to provide care! As Christ healed the sick and broken-hearted with his acts of compassion, our present Christian response to suffering must be in keeping with Christ’s actions by transforming suffering with meaning. When there is no meaning to suffering, that is when it is only pain, and of course people become afraid, angry and depressed. But where there is meaning, because there is love and proper care, in a community of support, suffering can become sacrifice! Sacrifice, in our Christian perspective, is not just another word for ‘put up with’. It literally means, from its Latin root, to make something ‘sacred’. Archbishop Anthony Mancini June 5, 2016 Letter to the Faithful.

Death of St. Joseph

Stain Glass Window, St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica, Halifax, NS

An evangelizing community knows that the Lord has taken the initiative, he has loved us first. It has an endless desire to show mercy, the fruit of its own experience of the power of the Father’s infinite mercy. Let us try a little harder to take the first step and to become involved. The Lord gets involved and he involves his own, as he kneels to wash their feet. An evangelizing community gets involved by word and deed in people’s daily lives; it bridges distances, it is willing to abase itself if necessary and it embraces human life, touching the suffering flesh of Christ in others. An evangelizing community is also supportive, standing by people at every step of the way, no matter how difficult or lengthy this may prove to be. Pope Francis 2013 Evangelii Gaudium, The Joy of the Gospel. #24.

Dying with Christ, Living with Hope

National Catholic Health Care Week: Feb 1-7, 2026

During the first week of February, many dioceses across Canada recognize the National Catholic Health Care Week. While Nova Scotia does not have specific Catholic healthcare facilities we do have many Catholic physicians, nurses, and many other healthcare provides. Let us remember them and the important work they do.

This year’s theme Open Hearts, Healing, Hope reflects the profound belief that healing is communal. It emphasizes the ways in which we are bound together by our shared humanity, and how compassion, justice, and solidarity guide our work to serve all people, especially those who are vulnerable or marginalized. Inspired by Catholic social teaching, the theme invites us to reflect on how our daily actions, decisions, and relationships contribute to a health system and a society where everyone belongs.

This year's theme is part of a national priority to work across Catholic health in Canada to foster communities of welcome for all.

For more information on National Health Care Week and resources for the week – such are prayers, reflections, and social media graphics click here or visit the Catholic Health Alliance of Canada website: www.chac.ca