Praktyki religijne w posłudze medycznej sióstr miłosierdzia do 1939 roku

The author describes the role of religiousness of the members of The Company of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul according to intemal normative acts of the society. Prayers and religious services were the backbone of sisters’ day schedule which, on the other hand, was subjected to their nursery duties. A sister who was religiously well-rounded should be compassionate, cheerful, humbie and prudent. The article describes sisters’ religious practices, as well as the practices that were directed towards the patients. Different religious practices were available in hospitals, and different ones during outpatients visits or in hospices. Regardless of the place, a sister should remember that she was the proxy of Chrisfs loving-kindness, that she acts on his behalf, and that she is a witness to his kindness. A major part of her service was to prepare the patient for the event of death. The manner of dealing with non-catholic patients was also regarded. The religious dimension was also given to the sisters’ obedience towards the superiors (including doctors), as well as to remuneration for their work — their reward being the etemal life.