We need our healthcare professionals to be well trained professionally, but also well-formed to provide the sort of spiritual care all too often overlooked or disregarded these days. That’s why the work of Healthcare Professionals for Divine Mercy is more vital than ever. The apostolate, officially incorporated with the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, will be holding its 21st annual Divine Mercy Medicine, Bioethics, and Spirituality Conference April 29-30, followed by a half-day retreat on May 1, at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Mercy and Spirituality The theme of this year’s conference is, “Mercy and Spirituality for Healthcare Professionals.” Participants can register to join in person at the Shrine or virtually online. “We will cover a range of topics addressing current challenges for healthcare professionals, while how to integrate compassion and spirituality will be presented by experts across disciplines,” explains Nurse Marie Romagnano, MSN, RN, CCM-R, apostolate founder and organizer. “Presentations are designed to give the health professionals unique opportunities to integrate their faith in their practice to enhance care outcomes. Healthcare professionals receive continuing education for their participation.” Body and soul The Catholic Church in its many religious orders, ministries, and apostolates has been outstanding in the field of healthcare since Jesus was doing miracles of healing in the Middle East in the first century. That mission of mercy in healthcare is no less important now than ever before; in fact, in many ways, it has gained a new urgency. “Spiritual awareness has gained increasing recognition as a vital dimension of healthcare, with profound implications for both patient well-being and the emotional resilience of health professionals,” adds Nurse Marie. “Professional formation provides essential clinical skills, knowledge, and ethical standards necessary for effective healthcare delivery.” For more information and to register, visit TheDivineMercy.org/healthcare/conference . Marian Helper • Spring 2026 • Marian.org 27hChSpak At last year’s Divine Mercy Medicine, Bioethics, and Spirituality Conference, Ron Sobecks, MD, professor of the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology at Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, paid tribute to his spiritual mentors, including Fr. Kaz Chwalek, MIC, and the late, great teacher of Divine Mercy, Fr. Seraphim Michalenko, MIC. It was through their efforts that the Healthcare Professionals for Divine Mercy became an official apostolate of the Marian Fathers. (PHoto by cHris sPArKs) ‘Mercy and Spirituality for Healthcare Professionals’
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