Christian therapists' group adds spiritual care to medical cures

Published: 2004-08-30

TEMECULA, Calif. (CNS) -- Members of the Association for Christian Therapists add prayer to their care for patients and believe the spiritual dimension helps in their treatment and recovery. The ecumenical association numbers some 870 members in 14 countries and includes physicians, nurses, medical technicians, dentists, psychologists, social workers and clergy. The majority of the members are Catholics in the United States. The association, founded in 1975, is divided into geographical regions, where members attend conferences, retreats and Masses, which help them carry out the group's mission to "support, empower, and witness to the healing professions with the heart and mind of Jesus." Jesuit Father Robert Faricy reinforced this mission during a retreat he conducted this summer for health care professionals in Temecula. He urged the participants to "ask the Lord's help, pray daily for their patients by name, and when appropriate pray with the patients." Father Faricy is an author and professor emeritus of spirituality at the Gregorian University in Rome. Based at Marquette University in Milwaukee, he celebrates Masses for the sick in Rome and throughout the United States.

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