Anything Under the Sun
Hospitaller Sisters of Mercy
A recent addition to the foreign nun congregations to Iloilo is the Hospitaller Sisters of Mercy (HSM) presently stationed at the Iloilo Doctors Hospital.
Founded in Rome by Princess Teresa Orsini Doria Pamphili on May 1821, its specific charism of mercy particularly the caring of the sick has its roots in the original rule: "To be sick with the sick in order to comfort Jesus suffering in his members."
As in the past, today the HSM continue their unconditional service to the sick and the dying while bringing the Good News of Jesus to the various parts of the world--Italy, United States, India, Philippines, Madagascar, Nigeria, Cameroune, Switzerland, Poland and Chile. In our country, their mother house is in Muntinlupa, Metro Manila.
Like the Good Samaritan, these Sisters, most of whom are nurses by profession, live their charism pouring on the suffering humanity "the oil of comfort and wine of hope."
One of these sisters is Blessed Maria Rafaella Cimati beatified by Pope John Paul II on May 12, 1996. She was born on June 7, 1861 in Celle, Ravena, Italy and was baptized Santa Cimati.
She spent most of her time as Superior in Forosinone, Italy and later, Superior of the Hospital al Alatri--also in Italy. Worn out by many years of service but "always with a heart forever young", Blessed Maria Rafaella Cimati voluntarily resigned her position in order to live her last years "in humble undertakings in prayer." She died in Alatri on June 23, 1945.
At present, there is a move to beatify its founder, Princess Teresa. May she be admitted to the honors of the altar.