Dignified Placement of a Nine-Pointed Star in Hospital Chapel

         In a simple devotional gathering on the evening of Monday, May 31, there was a moving recognition of the Baha'i community when a nine-pointed star, emblematic of the Baha'i Faith, was placed on the wall of the Chapel of the General Hospital in St. John's, Newfoundland.

         This was the fruition of a long process over many years, starting with the recognition of Paula McDonald as the Pastoral Care representative with the Health Care Corporation of St. John's.  The Corporation is responsible for all the St. John's area hospitals.

         This particular project with the nine-pointed star had its origin in a visit to the Chapel of the Waterford Hospital when it was noted that there was a Star of David on the wall in addition to the Cross that would be expected in this largely Christian province.  It became apparent that the Pastoral Care Department of the Corporation saw the need to be more interfaith in its programmes, and was receptive to the offer of supplying nine-pointed stars for the Chapels in the Waterford and General Hospitals.

         The St. John's Assembly provided the materials, 1" by 2" oak with a plywood backing, and the stars were constructed in the Occupational Therapy Workshop of the Waterford Hospital, under the direction of Arch Chapman, Supervisor of the Workshop.

         The Devotions opened with a welcome by Paula McDonald, selections of Prayers and Readings, two selections, "O God, my God, ..." and "Blessed is the spot ..."  by the Northeast Avalon Baha'i Choir under the direction of Jeff van den Scott,  a short talk on the Nature of the Soul by Joan Rendell, and a closing prayer "Refresh and gladden my spirit ...".

         Also presented to Dr. Rick Singleton, the Director of Pastoral Care, were three copies of "Baha'i Prayers", several copies of "When Your Patient is a Baha'i" as prepared by the Baha'i Medical Association of Canada, formatted as a booklet for on-going reference by staff and visitors.  Copies of the pamphlet "When Your Patient is a Baha'i" and the selection of prayers "Refresh and Gladden My Spirit" were placed in holders in the chapel for free distribution.

         Later in the year, the second star will be placed in the Chapel of the Waterford Hospital, and two more stars constructed for placement in St. Clare's Hospital and The Miller Centre.
 

Photos:
 

Paula McDonald,  the Baha'i Pastoral Care representative,  welcoming guests

Leah Oakley (Mount Pearl) reading one of the selections

 

The Northeast Avalon Baha'i Choir

Members of the audience

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