In his first public action as the new Bishop of Bunbury, Bishop George Kolodziej SDS opened a “Door of Hope” at St John of God Bunbury Hospital. Source: The Record.
The opening of the Door of Hope, explained Bishop Kolodziej, is being celebrated in harmony with the Jubilee Year of Hope.
“A hospital is a place where human weakness and divine love meet. Those who enter here often carry burdens of illness, anxiety, or the weight of caring for a loved one,” Bishop Kolodziej said.
“Through this Holy Door, we declare a profound truth: Christ Himself walks these corridors. He is present in the sick who long for healing.
“He is present in the doctors and nurses who serve with dedication. And He is present in every visitor who brings comfort, prayers, and love,” he said.
By passing through the Door of Hope, the faithful can receive a plenary indulgence if they fulfill the usual conditions, including confession, receiving the Eucharist, and praying for the Pope’s intentions.
The liturgical service and Mass on March 27 was attended by St John of God Bunbury Hospital chief Jack Harding, St John of God Health Care trustees Mark Murphy and Fr Joseph Parkinson, and St John of God Bunbury Hospital caregivers.
Speaking after the service and Mass, Mr Harding said: “The occasion is a beautiful reinforcement of our St John of God Health Care mission and values.
“The blessing of the Door of Hope offers hope, dignity and grace to those patients and families in our care, as our chapel continues to provide a place of sanctuary, support and reflection,” he said.
Bishop Kolodziej said the “Jubilee Year of Hope reminds us that God’s mercy is always open to us, like a door that never closes”.
“When we enter this hospital, let us remember that hope is not merely wishful thinking, it is a promise embedded in faith. Every step taken towards the sick is a step towards Christ himself,” he said.
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Bunbury Catholic Bishop opens Door of Hope at St John of God Bunbury Hospital (By Jamie O’Brien, The Record)
