| Democratic Republic of the Congo – Mothers’ Day |
| Solomon Islands – Education of the young |
One day Patrizia arrived at the “Good Samaritan Hospital” in Tetere, also known as the Mother and Baby Hospital, three months pregnant and worried by some symptoms. With eyes full of tears she asked the Sisters and nurses: “please save my baby.” Fearfully she tells them about the previous occasions she had been pregnant, the witch-craft to which she had been subjected, the herbal drinks and massages she had been given.
After giving her some medicine, the Superior sent her to Honiara to consult a gynaecologist, a Cuban volunteer, who recommended to Patrizia total rest.
This simple medical prescription created not a few problems for her. While Patrizia looked at them pleadingly, the staff in the Tetere hospital tried to explain to her husband who had never seen a pregnant woman resting completely, the importance of the prescription. “Who’s going to work in the fields?” the man asked
Patrizia stayed in hospital for a week; then the Sisters sent her home, saying she should come for tests every month. and should entrust herself to the Virgin Mary. Each month, accompanied by her worried husband, Patrizia kept the appointment faithfully.
Patrizia recently gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and grateful to the Sisters and volunteers at the “Good Samaritan Hospital” in Tetere. Speaking to the Superior of the Sisters she said: “This beautiful baby is yours Sister! If you hadn’t sent us to that doctor we would have waited too long and I am sure no one would have listened to us and taken care of my baby.”
“Good Samaritan Hospital” in Tetere, in the north east of the Island of Guadalcanal, rose from the ashes of the tribal war between the Island of Guadalcanal and Malaita in 2008. Thanks to the collaboration between the people of the parish of Tetere and the Italian volunteers of the “Friends of the Solomon Island mission” the hospital is the result of an idea of the Salesian Fr Luciano Capelli who then became Bishop of Gizo. Opened at the beginning of February 2008, the hospital provides basic health services especially treatment for babies and their mothers. It is run by the Sisters of Mercy.
Published 24/12/2010
