In a column for Catholic Health World, Joseph R. Impicciche, President and CEO, Ascension, says the COVID-19 pandemic is a reminder of the roots of Catholic healthcare.
“During times like this, we draw strength from the stories of our founders – religious women and men who willingly answered calls to travel to places remote and near to help those who were most vulnerable suffering from scourges like cholera, smallpox and diphtheria,” he says. “They too lived in uncertain times and forged ahead with the hope of the Gospel as their strength.”
Joe says the challenges of the pandemic “bring into sharp relief the true and holy nature of the Catholic healthcare ministry. This is our Gospel calling made manifest. This is our mission – the healing mission of Jesus – alive in our midst.”