Serving as a Catholic chaplain at Vancouver General Hospital is one of the greatest blessings of my priesthood. Each day I meet people who are afraid, lonely, in pain, or nearing the end of life. In these fragile moments, I have learned that the greatest gift we can offer is simple presence—a listening ear, a gentle word, a prayer whispered with love. When we remind someone that their life is precious and held by God, hope begins to return.
I remember one patient who had already begun the MAID process. He felt tired and alone. Over several visits—listening, praying, and speaking to him about the beauty of his life—hope slowly returned. One day he said, “Father, I want to live whatever time God gives me.”
His heart changed not because of arguments, but because of compassion. I have seen this grace many times. Pastoral presence can save a life.
But there are also moments when, despite many visits and much pastoral care, some still choose the path of death. These moments are painful and disappointing. Yet we never give up. We continue to bring hope, light, and God’s love into their lives. We do our best, and we trust that God will do the rest.
Every Saturday we celebrate Mass at VGH. A small prayer room becomes a chapel and, with the help of our volunteers, patients come in wheelchairs and on stretchers, bringing their fears and their faith. In that humble space, God pours out peace and strength. Many tell me, “Father, this Mass gives me hope.”
I often say that this little prayer room is the powerhouse of the hospital. All are welcome to join us, Saturdays at 4 p.m. on the first floor of the Blakemore Pavilion, first floor.
Together with my fellow chaplains, I am deeply grateful to our Archbishop, to Msgr. Gregory Smith, and to my Carmelite superiors for allowing me to serve in this sacred ministry. Hospital chaplaincy has taught me this: people may forget our words, but they never forget love. A gentle presence can restore dignity and open hearts to God.
I thank God every day for this mission. May every patient we meet know: your life is precious. Your life is loved. Your life is worth living.
Dear brothers and sisters, let us pray each day for the protection of every human life, which is God’s holy and fragile gift. Through our daily prayer, may hope be renewed and a true culture of life grow in our families, our Church, our world, and especially in our hospitals.
Father Ronald Sequeira is a hospital chaplain at Vancouver General Hospital.
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