Saint Luke’s Day focuses
on spirituality and healing
By Don Trivett
In recent years, St. Paul’s in Rothesay has developed a special focus for Saint Luke’s Day. On the Sunday nearest the date dedicated to Saint Luke we think about Saint Luke as a freed slave, traveling with Saint Paul, providing details of the Christian story and fulfilling the role of physician to the early church. This relationship between spirituality and healing prompts us to salute the care and dedication of health professionals in our community as well as the church’s and
responsibility for healing.
This year’s Saint Luke’s Day service takes place on Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. in St. Paul’s on the Rothesay Common. We have invited leading professionals to speak on topics like health and healing, parish nursing, and health missions in developing countries. We will celebrate the extensive Hospice program that serves our area and the faithful work of food banks. Globally we will reflect on the enabling work of the Primates World Development Relief and Development Fund for health and healing. A representative from Aids Saint John will relay pertinent information about this serious health issue and finally we will present information on estate planning.
During the coffee hour following the Eucharist booths will offer information and resources on the Canadian Blood Service, Senior’s Health, first aid/CPR and Mind Care.
The church/healing partnership is an ancient one. Early in the
Christian era monasteries provided healing for the sick and hospitality for the traveler. Much of this focus changed with the enlightenment during the 18th century. From then on, more and more people sought a more rational and less faith-based understanding of life and nature. While in some ways this was a valuable development, it put a wall between science and religion.
Today, however, influential voices continue to remind us of the intimate relationship of spirituality and healing.
Please join us at this popular service. For more information please call St. Paul’s Church at 847-1812 or me, Canon Don Trivett, at 763-3220.
