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By Sister Marissa Butler
Although Catherine McAuley did not start the modern prayer shawl ministry, her spirituality and mission resonate with its intention, which is what draws me to incorporate it into my ministry as a hospital chaplain. Catherine believed in tangible acts of mercy—bringing warmth, shelter, education and care to those in need. In this way, she offered a mantle of protection, a cloak of compassion, a prayer shawl.
I received my first prayer shawl in 2021 as a gift for my temporary profession of vows. It is one of the most significant, tangible pieces of my spirituality—and the stories it could tell! I have wrapped myself in it as I rest in the Lord on retreat, during times of illness, and in times of grief and pain. The profound sense of comfort and connection to God I experience through my prayer shawl has led me to incorporate prayer shawls into my ministry.
Whenever I deliver a prayer shawl to a patient or family member, I do so in the spirit of Catherine as an act of hospitality and a reminder of God’s compassion and mercy, especially in times of great need. The people I encounter in the intensive care unit often have bowed shoulders and weary hearts. They need the silent whispers of prayer that are stitched into the prayer shawl to remind them, even when the days are heavy and nights are long, they are prayed for and held.
Earlier this year, I met Rose, a beautiful woman in her 90s whose health was failing. She and her family were preparing for her death and wanted the support of a chaplain. I delivered a purple prayer shawl to Rose during one of my several visits to her room. I explained to her that it was a hug from Jesus and asked her to imagine his love holding her joys, doubts, and fears. Every time I returned to visit Rose, the prayer shawl was close by. Her family would comment that its location was always a concern of hers. I know how great a comfort my prayer shawl brings to me, so I was delighted to hear this.
Like most other patients I visit, Rose was discharged, and I would likely never see her again. One afternoon I answered the office phone. Rose’s daughter was on the other end. She called to tell me that Rose had died and the family wanted to invite me to Rose’s funeral, where she was going to be buried in the purple prayer shawl. Her family saw beyond plain yarn to a tangible and sacred sign of Rose being wrapped in the warm arms of God’s mercy.