Pope Francis visits the patients and staff of the St. Louis Hospital in Bangkok, which this year is celebrating the 120th anniversary of its foundation.
The St Louis Hospital in Bangkok was founded in 1898 by the Apostolic Victor of Siam, Archbishop Louis Vey. Its mission is based on the motto “Where love is, there God is”. Today the hospital is run by a team of doctors, nurses and researchers with the help of state-of-the-art medical equipment.
Addressing around 700 staff in the hospital’s auditorium on Thursday, Pope Francis said it was a blessing for him “to witness at first hand this valuable service that the Church offers to the Thai people, especially to those most in need.”
Making reference to the hospital’s motto, the Pope said that “it is precisely in the exercise of charity that we Christians are called not only to demonstrate that we are missionary disciples, but also to test our own fidelity, and that of our institutions, to that discipleship.”
“You are missionary disciples in the field of health care”, highlighted the Pontiff, who are capable of finding God in every human being, especially the elderly, the young and those most vulnerable.
“Seen in this way”, he added, “you carry out one of the greatest works of mercy, for your commitment to health care goes far beyond the simple and praiseworthy practice of medicine.”
At the end of his meeting with staff, Pope Francis made a private visit to the sick and disabled at the hospital, as a way, he said, “of accompanying them, however briefly, in their pain.”
The Pope also presented the hospital a with a copy of a fragment of a fresco depicting the Madonna and Child.
Source: Vatican News
