Bishop Benedict calls for compassionate doctors, priests and teachers

The Great Martyr and Healer Saint Panteleimon was also honoured on Monday at the parish serving the Prof. Dr Ioan Pușcaș Municipal Hospital in Șimleu Silvaniei, Sălaj County, Romania.

Bishop Benedict of Sălaj celebrated the Divine Liturgy and said in his homily that society needs “doctors who love,” as well as priests and teachers who remain close to those entrusted to their care.

The bishop said that St Panteleimon stands as both an example and a measure of how Christians should approach those in need of help.

“Illness begins to heal when we encounter someone who understands us and loves us. We need doctors who love. We need priests who draw close to people. We need teachers who come close to their children. We need people who become personally involved in the work they have to do.”

“It is not enough simply to write a prescription and send the patient home or to the pharmacy. It is not enough merely to say a prayer in church and leave the faithful to return home alone. It is not enough to assign homework to our children without accompanying them and supporting them in what they have to do,” the bishop continued.

“We need personal presence and personal relationships.…