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Healthcare workers receive St. Luke’s blessing

To mark the Feast of St Luke, the Holy Family Church in King’s Lynn honoured healthcare workers by giving the Blessing of St Luke to over 100 parishioners working in hospitals, pharmacies and other medical roles.


On Sunday October 20, Fr Peter of the Holy Family Church held a special blessing for healthcare professionals in recognition of their vital contributions. The blessing took place following the Feast of St Luke on Friday, October 18. St Luke, traditionally believed to have been a physician, is the patron saint of physicians, surgeons, and healers. His feast day is a time to pray for and bless those working in healthcare.

After the 9.30 am Mass, over 100 parishioners, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, porters and healthcare assistants, came forward to receive this blessing. The service provided a reflective moment in which the parish recognised and celebrated the contributions of healthcare workers to the local community.

The healthcare workers in attendance reflected a diverse range of nationalities, including English, Filipino, Keralan, Nigerian and Polish. These individuals are not only regular attendees at Mass but are also actively involved in parish life, serving as readers, eucharistic ministers, or helping with tasks like preparing teas, arranging flowers, and working with the Knights of St Columba (KSC).

Queen Elizabeth Hospital, one of the largest employers in King’s Lynn, has actively recruited staff from Kerala, the Philippines, and Nigeria – many of whom are Catholic and draw strength from their faith. Fr Peter Rollings said: “It’s common to see them praying in the hospital chapel before starting their shifts or taking moments for reflection during breaks.”

“The blessing is a way of affirming their work in the community and showing what an important contribution the Catholic parish makes to healthcare in North West Norfolk.”

Pictured above: Fr Peter Rollings blessing the parish’s healthcare workers. Picture credit: John McGovern

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