Inspired by the Saints

Inspired By The Saints -banner

In the Catholic tradition, we call on the communion of saints in prayer to accompany us in times of trial, celebration and everything in between. Theologian and Sister of St. Joseph Elizabeth Johnson uses the metaphor that the communion of saints can be imagined as a great stadium of people who have run, or are running, a great race. While we each independently approach the starting line, we are lifted by the love, encouragement, support and accompaniment of those who have gone before us, and who know well the challenges we are to face.

They understand us, love us, know what is truly good for us, help us and await us.
— Pope Francis, 2018 Solemnity of All Saints

Intention
For use in your next team huddle, department meeting, or personal reflection, Inspired by the Saints is a series of huddle cards designed to offer fresh inspiration for those who serve in Catholic health care. Each card invites participants into a visual meditation upon the life of a Saint who represents a core commitment of our Shared Statement of Identity.

We hope the lives of these saints will inspire all who serve in Catholic health care to:

  • make meaning of their work as ministry
  • respond to patients, co-workers and communities with greater compassion and awareness of God
  • more deeply engage in our core commitments as a Catholic health ministry

How To
Experience the fullness and beauty of Inspired by the Saints, Contemplations for the Catholic Health Ministry by visiting the CHA store to purchase the complete deck of huddle cards and accompanying audio reflections. Each huddle card includes a brief biography, questions for contemplation and/or discussion, and a closing prayer. The audio reflections offer an enriching guided contemplative experience.

Individual huddle cards may also be downloaded for complimentary use by clicking on the links below the images.

Purchase in the CHA Store

Elizabeth of Hungary- Lydia Wood Painting

ST. ELIZABETH OF HUNGARY
Promote the Common Good

Download the PDF

Frances Xavier Cabrini - Lydia Wood Painting

ST. FRANCES XAVIER CABRINI
Serve as a Ministry of the Church

Download the PDF

Josephine Bakhita - Lydia Wood Painting

ST. JOSEPHINE BAKHITA
Promote and Defend Human Dignity

Download the PDF

Katharine Drexel - Lydia Wood Painting

ST. KATHARINE DREXEL
Steward Resources

Download the PDF

Mark Tianxiang - Lydia Wood Painting

ST. MARK JI TIANXIANG
Attend to the Whole Person

Download the PDF

Martin de Porres - Lydia Wood Painting

ST. MARTIN DE PORRES
Act on Behalf of Justice

Download the PDF

Peregrine Laziosi - Lydia Wood Painting

ST. PEREGRINE LAZIOSI
Care for Poor and Vulnerable Persons

Download the PDF

About the Artist
Lydia Wood (American, b. 1986) is an emerging figurative from St. Louis, Missouri. She has exhibited at Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art, St. Louis Artists’ Guild, Art Saint Louis, Webster Arts,  Intersect Arts Center, Jacobi Arts Center among others. Wood is a semi-finalist in the 16th Annual ARC Salon. 

Influenced by her background as a pediatric ER nurse, Wood's watercolor portraits weave narratives of hope, trauma, and resilience. She creatively uses fine art to advocate for health equity.

Lydia lives in St. Louis with her family and works with pediatric heart patients as a Nurse Case Manager.

Listen to the CHA Podcast