I live the charism of the legacy that Father Médaille left us, living Trinitarian love as Jesus, Mary and Joseph lived it in the Holy family of Nazareth.

In my daily life, in and out of the Hospital Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, I try to be the "face of Jesus," both in words and in attitudes, revealing love, brotherhood, prayer, and welcome to all kinds of cultures, ethnicities, and races, expressing peace, joy and happiness to be a Sister of Saint Joseph to patients, staff and physicians, showing in my person that I am happy and like what I do.

I am cautious when speaking. I listen long before I give my opinion. I pray that God puts into my mouth the right words at the right time. When taking communion to patients in dialysis, I tell them that Jesus comes to visit because He loves them. This is also the case with those who are in the intensive care unit and with other patients who long to meet the God of life, especially those who live far away.

I love to play with children. I tell them that the injections given by the nurses are kisses. In visiting pregnant women, I seek to motivate them to accept with love and joy the life that is coming and that they have waited nine months to receive. These babies are in fact the glory and happiness of families and neighbors, as with the family of Zechariah and Elizabeth when they received John the Baptist.

In the preparation of the masses on Saturdays, I count on the collaboration of some ladies, and together we prepare everything the best way possible, so there is greater participation and life is celebrated. The Hospital Chapel is full every Saturday, and many people ask for other masses to be held during the week.

People wait for my visit while in their hospital beds to talk, vent their problems and fears regarding their illness and/or to discuss family concerns. When for some reason, I am not going to the hospital, they phone me at home, requesting my presence to comfort hospitalized persons or family.

I also distribute the Eucharist and/or provide a priest to administer the anointing of the sick and to give a blessing before any surgical procedure. I realize that my presence next to the patient and their family members brings comfort, hope, and help, softening the suffering. This spiritual preparation is a major contribution to the people who travel the path of suffering with faith, and the healing is often faster. I am struck by the fact the patients are happy with my presence.

So, in simplicity and in giving each day, I am seeking to create greater communion, and for people to be respected and valued in their quest for health and dignity.

Sister Maria Theresa Caon
(Province of Lagoa Vermelha/Brazil)