December 18, 2015

Christmas Memories

Spiritual care coordinator, infirm resident Share ‘O Holy Night’ through gift of song

By Mary Jean Worthington

I prayed, then made up my mind. … Tonight, I would deal with Robert.

It was Christmas Eve 2002. At Mercy Franciscan Terrace, where I served as spiritual care coordinator for the Emmanuel Unit, Robert was one of my more infirm residents.

Sadly, Robert had given up on life’s purpose and meaning. He had shared with me that he’d been a cathedral cantor for over 30 years. Now, he just listlessly lay almost prone in his hospital bed, scarcely able to speak.

This was going to change tonight.

I know the spiritual strength that comes from music’s spirit when it arises, and is sung from one’s soul. Resolutely, that Christmas Eve, I entered Robert’s stilled room and began to softly sing “O Holy Night.”

Increasing the intensity at the melodious dictate, “fall on your knees, O hear the angels’ voices!”, Robert’s blue eyes flashed wide open, and rising to a sitting position, Robert began to sing with me … his soaring tenor tone joined with my soprano heights … and tears of joy filled both our eyes.

We sang and sang one Christmas carol after another, there in that transformed song-filled room. Soon, we were joined by several nurses and other Emmanuel Unit residents, who came to hear Robert once again sing out his soul in music’s gift on this O Holy Night!
 

(Mary Jean Worthington is a member of All Saints Parish in Dearborn County.) †

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