Nurses and Health Workers Honoured in Hazaribagh Diocese

Hazaribag, 16 December 2025: A day of prayer and reflection brought together Catholic doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, community health workers, and healthcare professionals of the Hazaribag Catholic diocese at Jan Vikas Kendra, located within the Bishop’s House campus, as part of the Jubilee Year themed Pilgrims of Hope. The programme was organised by the diocesan Health Commission to honour the healing ministry of healthcare workers and to renew their commitment to compassionate service.

The jubilee celebration was guided by Bishop Anand Jojo of Hazaribag, along with Fr. Tomy, Director of the Diocesan Health Ministry, Fr. Santosh Topno, in charge of the Herbal Health Care Centre, and Sr. Remya John, CHF, Health Coordinator of the diocese. In his inaugural address, Bishop Jojo reflected on the significance of the Jubilee Year, encouraging participants to walk with the risen Lord despite life’s challenges and to continue serving the sick with love and compassion. He expressed gratitude for their dedicated service to the people of the diocese.

Sessions during the day addressed key dimensions of holistic healthcare. Sr. Nirmala, Director of CHABIJAN, highlighted the growing importance of mental health care in families, society, and the Church, stressing the need to extend such care to parishes and villages. Fr. George, Regional Coordinator of the Mental Health Ministry, spoke on mental well-being across different age groups, while Mr. Nilesh, Regional Programme Officer of CHAI, introduced participants to tele-health and community care applications. Dr. Sr. Laisa H.C. of Holy Cross Hospital, Tarwa, focused on stress management and emotional stability, urging healthcare workers to prioritise personal well-being alongside professional responsibilities.

The Jubilee Day concluded with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Bishop Anand Jojo and concelebrated by Fr. Tomy, Fr. Prabal, and Fr. Santosh. In his homily, the Bishop described healthcare workers as unique builders of the Body of Christ, quoting Pope Leo XIV’s words that their presence is “a tangible sign of the merciful love of Christ.” He called on them to imitate the Good Samaritan in caring for the wounded and suffering with tenderness and commitment.

By Sr. Remya John, CHF, Hazaribag