Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service) - “Healing with solidarity” was the theme chosen by the Italian Bishops’ Conference for the 12 World Day for the Sick. The theme imposes special reflection on psychic suffering and discomfort, too often marginalised due to misunderstanding.
Specialisation in mental illnesses was chosen by the diocese of Albano (Rome) for a Meeting 14 February 2004: “la solidarietà tra professionalità e umanizzazione” at the St John of God Institute in Genzano. The choice of the venue is significant: the centre cares for people with mental and physical disabilities including the chronically affected. The Institute is a point of reference in the Castelli Romani which, with a basin of 500,000 users, has 7 centres for mental care and 2 Services of Psychiatric Diagnosis and Treatment
Growing awareness that psychic suffering is a special ambit for exercising solidarity led to a serious evaluation of the possibility of building a network of competence and services among patients, families and health care operators in the sector to influence also political, ecclesial and social ambits.
Precisely this reflection gave rise to collaboration to organise the meeting which brings together the Consulta per la Pastorale della Salute of Albano diocese, the Associazione Medici Cattolici Italiani and the St John of God Brothers who have cared for the sick for 500 years making solidarity a fundamental resource for health. (AP) (13/2/2004 Agenzia Fides; Righe:25 Parole:272)
