Southern Nebraska Register
CHI Health Nebraska Heart Hospital in Lincoln celebrated its third annual ‘feast day’ on the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus June 27.
The event included the blessing of a new statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The statue was donated by Dr. Stephen Ackerman, who recently retired as a cardiologist at the Nebraska Heart Hospital.
The Nebraska Heart Hospital cares primarily for patients in need of cardiac care. Sister Faustina Lightfoot, a Marian Sister and nurse at the Nebraska Heart Hospital, said the feast day celebration has brought great hope and encouragement to the hospital staff.
At the celebration, Gary Rezac, a previous patient, spoke. He shared his experience of receiving cardiac care at the Nebraska Heart Hospital and expressed gratitude to everyone at the hospital, including surgeons, nurses, and dietary and housekeeping staff.
“Everyone from top to bottom at the Nebraska Heart Hospital shared their compassion with me and it was a blessing to encounter each one of them,” Rezac said.
Sr. Faustina shared a reflection on how Jesus’ heart gives hope. She reflected on difficult situations in caring for patients who are critically ill and dying and how Jesus gives her hope.
“The image of Jesus’ open, pierced and burning heart lets us know that we are not alone in the midst of our suffering,” she said, “and provides great comfort and consolation to those who are sick and suffering and those who care for them.”
The new statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, blessed at the conclusion of the celebration, is located outside of the hospital in the meditation garden. Sister Faustina said it brings peace and comfort to patients and family members.
“It greatly warms my heart to see patient family members gazing upon the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,” she said, “knowing that God is the one who can comfort and heal.”
