Good morning. I am Mary Ann Collins, director of ... - SSM Health Care

Mary Ann Collins – SSM Cardinal GlennonGood morning. I am Mary Ann Collins, director of Mission and ofthe Footprints Program for SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’sMedical Center.Last summer, Cardinal Glennon had its 50 th Birthday andallowed us the privilege of gathering with a number of groups tocelebrate. One group in particular stood apart from all the rest. Thatgroup was our Franciscan Sisters of Mary.The Sisters were invited to join us for a special Mass in theirhonor to be followed by lunch in our beautiful atrium. About 40women were able to be with us, some of whom had graced the hallsand the heart of Glennon as staff members and others who werepart of our heart and spirit through the prayers they offer for ourMinistry, our children, their families and our staff.Some of my colleagues and I had prepared a musicalblessing for the Sisters, and as I walked to the microphone tointroduce that blessing, I was touched to my very core. As I looked1

The Sisters often had only their presence to offer. I amcertain that as our original five women went through the streetsknocking on doors, they didn’t know who was behind the door, butgreeted all as though they were the most important person. And ofcourse, they were able to share whatever material things they hadgathered in their baskets, but most of all, they gave their preciousgift of self.And so, again I became aware as I looked at the womenbefore me , that the true gift of healing in our workplaces is mywillingness to share not just my skill or expertise in a particular area,but my person; to give of myself as they did. I need to care enoughto make a difference to every person I meet. I need to recognizethat every person is a reflection of the Face of God! In turn, if I amto deliver exceptional care, I must honor and respect the God I seebefore me, in that moment. And if I don’t, nothing else muchmatters because I will not have been respectful enough, I will nothave been compassionate enough, and I will not have cared enoughto share the healing presence of God that is within me.3