Santo Domingo.– He coadjutor archbishop of the Archdiocese of Santo Domingo, Monsignor Carlos Tomás Morel Dipláncalled to guarantee universal access to health and to strengthen the Dominican health system as part of the commitment to human dignity, during the 34th World Day of the Sickheld this Wednesday at the Primate Cathedral of America.
The Eucharist was organized by the Health Pastoral and brought together patients, doctors, nurses, volunteers and pastoral agents, in a day focused on the motto inspired by the Good Samaritan: compassion and care as an expression of Christian love.
“Health is a gift from God and a common good”
During his homily, the archbishop stated that “caring for the health of others is Christian love in action” and stressed that health cannot be seen as a market product.
“Health is a gift from God, a common good and not a consumer good,” said the prelate, insisting that medical care must be guaranteed for all citizensregardless of your employment status, income or socioeconomic situation.
The coadjutor archbishop urged to continue strengthening the health system in the Dominican Republicpromoting policies that ensure equitable and dignified access to medical services.
Mercy, compassion and care: keys to humanizing medicine
Inspired by the parable of the Good Samaritan, Monsignor Morel highlighted three fundamental attitudes for more humane medical care: mercyto see the patient in a comprehensive way, beyond his diagnosis; the compassionwhich encourages us to act with empathy in the face of suffering and close carewhich puts the person above the disease.
“The patient is always more important than his illness,” he stated, recalling that even when it is not possible to cure, it is always possible to care, console and accompany.
Addressing the health professionalsthe archbishop pointed out that his work transcends the technical and becomes a mission. “His hands, which touch the suffering flesh of Christ, can be a sign of the Father’s merciful hands,” he said.
Calls to strengthen primary care and mental health
Morel Diplán also highlighted the need to more effectively promote the primary health careespecially to benefit the most vulnerable sectors of the country.
Likewise, he referred to the growing concern about the mental illnesses in the Dominican Republic, recognizing the efforts made by the State, but insisting that work must continue to offer more effective responses to a reality that affects numerous families.
The anointing of the sick: a sacrament of life
During the celebration in the Primate Cathedral of America, several priests administered the sacrament of the anointing of the sickremembering that it is not exclusive for people in danger of death, but a sacrament of spiritual strength and hope.
“Prayer has a very great power for healing,” said Monsignor Morel, inviting the community to maintain constant intercession for the sick and for those who care for them.
Pastoral de la Salud appreciates support and participation
At the conclusion of the Eucharist, Sister Trinidad Ayala, in charge of the Health Pastoral of the Archdiocese of Santo Domingothanked the presence of ecclesiastical authorities, professional associations, volunteers, patients and the media.
He indicated that for nine days the local Church was in prayer for the sick and reiterated that the World Day of the Sick seeks to “serve and build hope” in the midst of suffering.
The World Day of the Sick It is celebrated every year around the memory of Our Lady of Lourdes and promotes reflection on the dignity of the sick, the humanization of medicine and the social commitment to universal access to health.
Actions to eradicate corruption
Report. Tomás Morel Diplán stated that although recent reports indicate a reduction in the perception of corruption in the country, more forceful actions are still needed to eradicate impunity and guarantee greater transparency in the public Administration.
“The level of corruption is decreasing, we are very happy. I hope it continues to decrease much more, because it would be a great hope for the Dominican people,” said the bishop after the Eucharist for the XXXIV World Day of the Sick, celebrated yesterday in the Primate Cathedral of America, while adding that “more efforts are needed” against the problem.
