Holding Crosses at the Langwarrin Mens Shed community support

For hundreds of years, ritual and blessing has been integral to spiritual care in the community. Recently St John of God Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital have had the opportunity to once again become involved in a significant offering from the community spirited organisation, Langwarrin Men’s Shed, and what a blessing this has been.

9 Jun 2016

9 June 2016

Jim Muir, a volunteer with SJG Frankston, wood worker and member/supervisor with the Langwarrin Men’s Shed, was approached by one of our Pastoral Practitioner’s, Jane Wise, enquiring as to the possibility of having some ‘holding crosses’ carved.

Holding crosses have been enjoyed by our Pastoral Practitioners both at Frankston and in our sister hospital, St John of God Berwick, as a profound way of offering blessing, further richness, connection and spiritual care to our patients.

‘A holding cross is designed not so much to look right, but more to ‘feel’ right. Sometimes, it is enough, simply to hold the cross silently – this itself is a prayer’- St John of God, Berwick

Gary, a cancer survivor, who has recently become a new member with the Men’s Shed, was wishing to find meaning in his life during his recovery. He has since discovered a mission and passion in life which is the hand crafting of ‘holding crosses’ for our hospital.

Gary said, “I spend many mornings making these crosses for the hospital which gives me great satisfaction and joy – it drives me to get up in the morning and come to work”.

Gary was invited to our hospital recently, where CiCi Edwards-Jensen, one of our Pastoral Practitioners, offered Gary a very moving blessing in gratitude for his beautiful gifts to patients, the Pastoral Care Department and St John of God Rehabilitation Hospital, Frankston.