Father Mariusz Grzech blesses the hands of Notre Dame students. Photo: UNDA.
More than 120 University of Notre Dame students have this month taken part in the Blessing of Hands ceremony on 7 March.
The ceremony, which is a marquee event on the university’s calendar, was celebrated for the 17th year at the Fremantle Campus.
The students varied from the University’s Schools of Arts & Sciences, Health Sciences,
Medicine, Nursing & Midwifery, and Physiotherapy.
The Blessing of Hands recognises the importance of hands in the relief of pain, the prevention of disease, and as a symbol of peace and solidarity.
Notre Dame Fremantle Campus Chaplain Father Mariusz Grzech conducted the blessing, which reflects a centuries-old tradition where the hands of kings, priests and prophets were anointed with oils to symbolised good health and strength.
Amy Wallace, Western Australian Nurse of Year 2017, was the guest speaker at Notre Dame’s Blessing of Hands. Photo: UNDA.
Amy Wallace, the Western Australian Nurse of Year 2017 and Notre Dame Nursing graduate, was the guest speaker at the ceremony.
She was recognised with the state’s highest nursing honour for implementing life-changing programs to improve the physical health of patients at Graylands Hospital.
“The Blessing of Hands ceremony symbolises the ability of our hands to show empathy, compassion and patience to others during a time when they need it the most. It’s our responsibility as practitioners to learn, live and deliver holistic care so you can change lives,” Amy said.
“As we continue this journey of healing, it is imperative that we always see the individual and not the diagnosis. We will always consider the opinions of our patients, even if it doesn’t match our own; and we will work collectively to deliver better patient outcomes.”