MANILA, Philippines?Garbed in a scrub suit and donning a surgical cap and mask, the obstetrician-gynecologist vigorously scrubbed her hands and arms with antiseptic liquid soap in preparation for surgery. Then, the OB-gyne closed her eyes and prayed.*

?For each of my patient and for every operation I am about to perform, I seek the healing that comes from the Lord,? says Dr. Jane Catan, a consultant OB-gyne at St. Luke?s Medical Center.

Even though it is no longer owned by the Episcopal Church, St. Luke?s has never lost sight of its calling as a missionary hospital that heals patients regardless of their station in life. It is, therefore, not surprising that many of the hospital?s doctors are not just men and women of science, but also of great faith.

Dr. Menie Reyes, training officer of St. Luke?s OB-Gyne Department and a devout Christian, combines evidence-based medicine with spiritual healing in caring for her patients, counseling them to seek divine succor in their journey to wellness. St. Luke?s Cancer Institute director Dr. Charity Gorospe ensures that all of the institute?s events begin with a healing mass for patients. Prayer plays an integral part in the daily life of Dr. Carlos Dy as well; the noted consultant oncologist at St. Luke?s and Opus Dei member believes that prayer makes many things happen that science cannot explain. St. Luke?s 100-year-old Women?s Board is composed of volunteers who counsel and pray over patients.

Science and faith, it has been said, should always be separate spheres, one never encroaching on the other?s territory. Dr. Catan is a University of the Philippines-trained doctor who knows the value of topnotch expertise and cutting-edge technology in providing excellent patient care. Yet she also believes that even the most advanced medical training and equipment are not enough to address the entire breadth of human infirmity.

?For healing to take place, we must acknowledge its source,? Dr. Catan says. ?As Jaime Cardinal Sin once said, prayer is God?s weakness.?

According to Dr. Catan, prayer helps strengthen a patient?s will to get better. In many cases, this spiritual exercise inexplicably fortifies the patient?s body as well, apparently a powerful psychosomatic effect of a heavenly placebo pill. It is as if the patient, through divine intervention, is willing himself or herself to heal.

Cheryl Serrano is one such patient. The accomplished corporate communications manager for a leading pharmaceutical company credits the combined power of modern chemotherapy and prayer for her triumph over stage 3 ovarian cancer. ?I would send a text message to my relatives and officemates asking them to pray for me at the exact time I was receiving chemotherapy,? Serrano says. ?My sister in Chicago organized a ?Relay for Life? prayer support group and lighted candles for my speedy recovery.?

Dr. Catan decided to practice in St. Luke?s not only because of the hospital?s proximity to the Catholic community she serves, but also because of St. Luke?s spirit of ecumenism. ?St. Luke?s management respects people?s religious beliefs. I am not forced to do things that run counter to my faith, such as artificial methods of family planning.?

Derived from the Greek word ?oikoumene? which means ?the inhabited world,? ecumenism is now used to describe the movement to restore unity among all Christians. With this spirit of unity in mind, St. Luke?s built a chapel that welcomes worshipers of all faiths and creeds. The chapel is located at the second floor of the main hospital building.

In a modern age filled with cynicism and materialism, the stories of these wonderful people and their unwavering faith in a Divine Healer are both inspiring and comforting, especially at this time of the year when we take stock of our personal and professional growth commitments. As we struggle with the many challenges of these difficult times, let us always remember that prayer moves the hand that moves the universe.

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* Adapted from Living Water: Bible Reflections for Today?s Catholic (2008). Springs Foundation Inc., Quezon City.

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