In an interview in 2013, Pope Francis referred to the Church as ‘a field hospital after a battle’. Pope Francis’ vision of the Church is a clear recognition and acknowledgement that people within the Church often have wounds, even though we cannot see them. These wounds sometimes have an effect that hampers a full, free and joyful relationship with God in the Church. It is Pope Francis’ hope that those in such need will find the healing they require with the ‘medicine of mercy’ in the Church.
It is this vision of the Church of Pope Francis that was the inspiration for this book, bringing together a breadth of experience and depth of pastoral approach of lay people and priests who are at present ministering to people in a variety of different and often difficult and painful situations. I highly recommend this book.
+Ralph Heskett C.ss.R, Bishop of Hallam
Twelve priests, twelve lay people and four religious sisters reflect on their experience of healing in the Church. These experiences are explored in depth – the ministry of prayer for healing; healing and the Sacraments; the role of priests in the healing ministry; the New Evangelization and the healing ministry; exorcism and deliverance; the seminary and the healing ministry; healing the family tree; healing the loss of babies and abortion; healing children and teenagers; healing in and through marriage; healing the bereaved, divorced and separated; healing the dying and surviving; healing the victims of sexual abuse; healing the wounds hidden behind dissociative identity disorder; healing after violent crime; healing those involved in prostitution; healing in prison; healing and parish life.
Powerful witness, and the testimony of those affected by the issues or involved in administering healing provide an extraordinary opportunity to reflect on this vital, but often neglected part of the Church’s life. This book offers a major resource for the contemporary Church.
