Mission Mater's Magazine - Flipbook - Page 27
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Roman
Catholic
1.What does the Christmas season mean to the
Catholic chaplaincy?
The Christmas Season means to us, the birth of our Lord
and the salvation of the world. It is a time we pray for
meaning for all families.
2.How does your own faith tradition view or relate
to the message of Christmas?
Our faith proclaims the message of Christmas as the word
incarnate. The Lord wishes to assure all those who are sick
and in suffering, that he is with them and we will try to
convey this message from the Lord through our care and
deep compassion.
3.In a hospital setting like the Mater, what message
of comfort or encouragement would you share at
this time of year?
Our message of comfort would be that the Lord is very
much with us at every moment. Our Ministry is to show
God’s love for all people and for all faith traditions.
Islam
Imam Tunahan Bilir
1.What does the Christmas season mean to you
personally?
We Muslims, while not celebrating Christmas ourselves,
still value the season’s spirit of kindness, reflection, and
generosity. We appreciate how it brings warmth and
connection to communities.
2.How does your own faith tradition view or relate
to the message of Christmas?
In Islam, we hold Jesus — Prophet Isa (peace be upon
him) — and his mother Maryam (Mary) in great respect.
The Qur’an (the holy book of Muslims) speaks of
Maryam’s devotion and the miraculous birth of Isa,
highlighting their purity, courage, and trust in Allah (God,
in Arabic).
(l to r) Mr. Stephen Wilson,
Fr. Vincent Xavier, Ms.
Margaret Sleator
4.A story, practice, or saying from your tradition
that you feel captures the spirit of Christmas?
The picture of baby Jesus in the crib, surrounded by Our
Lady, St. Joseph and the shepherds. The crib emphasises
that God takes on the suffering and weakness and
vulnerability of every human being.
5.If you could all wish one thing for everyone in
the hospital this Christmas — whatever their faith
— what would it be?
Our wish would be that everyone would experience
comfort, peace, consolation and warmth from loved ones
and from staff, especially those spending Christmas in
hospital.
Oh, and we hope it snows also….
3.In a hospital setting like the Mater, what message
of comfort or encouragement would you share at
this time of year?
We share a message of hope and compassion. Life is fragile,
and even small acts of kindness, patience, and prayer can
bring comfort to all.
4.A story, practice, or saying from your tradition
that you feel captures the spirit of Christmas?
While Muslimsdo not observe Christmas, we respect those
who do and believethat mutual understanding strengthens
society. From my experience in Turkey, I can share that
thousands of people are named after Isa (Jesus in Turkish)
and Meryem (Mary), showing the deep love and respect
Muslims have for them.
5.If you could wish one thing for everyone in the
hospital this Christmas — whatever their faith —
what would it be?
Our wish for everyonein the hospital this season —
whatever their faith —is that peace, understanding, and
friendship flourish.
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