SASKATOON, Sask. (CCN) — The bright and busy new entrance of St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon was the site for a blessing liturgy on a recent Friday afternoon.
During the March 20 gathering in the entrance lobby near the patient registration desk, Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen led the liturgy, joined by Deacon Harry Lafond of Muskeg Lake Cree Nation; Hospital Chaplain Fr. Benedict Arakkal; and diocesan Vicar General Fr. Kevin McGee, pastor of nearby St. Mary Parish.
A number of Catholic health leaders and members of hospital administration and staff gathered for the liturgy near the patient registration desk in the entrance lobby. The short service included scripture, reflections, and prayers for all those who walk through the doors, both patients and staff, including a prayer of praise to God in the six directions led by Lafond.
Reflections by Hagemoen and Lafond acknowledged the vital and ongoing importance of the hospital — which was founded by the Grey Nuns more than a century ago — to the surrounding neighbourhood and to the wider community. An entrance is significant in offering welcome and belonging, noted Hagemoen, stressing that the work undertaken by hospital staff is not simply medical and technical, but sacred.
A message from the diocesan bishop was part of an official ribbon-cutting opening celebration Jan. 28, however Hagemoen was unable to attend that earlier event in person.
The Catholic hospital’s main entrance renovation includes a new accessible main entrance with a covered drive and drop-off area for patients, a bright and welcoming foyer, and a new Kikâwînaw wîki Healing Centre. Cree for “Our Mother’s Home,” that provides space for reflection and Indigenous cultural ceremonies.
The expanded entrance also includes additional washrooms, a spacious gift shop, and relocated patient registration, visitor information and protective services areas.
