Archbishop Aquila celebrates Caregiver Appreciation Week at Denver’s Saint Joseph Hospital

Archbishop Aquila blessed healthcare professionals at Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver during Caregivers Appreciation Week. (Photo provided)

Healthcare workers have a unique calling to serve the Church through living the Corporal Works of Mercy every day.

Just as Jesus healed people both physically and spiritually in the Gospel, healthcare workers are called to intentionally walk with those who are experiencing different illnesses. While they accompany their patients on their journey towards physical healing, many also provide spiritual accompaniment to those they serve.

To honor that beautiful calling and bolster healthcare workers in their vital works of mercy, Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila visited Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver and offered caregivers a special blessing as part of Caregiver Appreciation Week.

Caregiver Appreciation Week was celebrated across Intermountain Health from May 12-18.

While praying with the healthcare workers at St. Joseph Hospital, Archbishop Aquila shared that he understands the sanctity of their work, because he, too, was once in their shoes.

Before entering seminary, Archbishop Aquila was a pre-med student at the University of Colorado in Boulder. During his studies, he worked as an emergency room technician, and would later serve as a hospital chaplain.

During their time in prayer, Archbishop Aquila asked the caregivers gathered to open their hearts to guidance from Christ, the true healer, as they care for others.