English 
In the quiet town of Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, a humble yet profound mission unfolds daily at St. Mary’s Palliative Care Centre. Born from a deep calling to serve the marginalized, this sanctuary offers free, compassionate care to those facing life’s final chapter. Here, patients and their families find not just medical support but a healing embrace one that honours their dignity, soothes their pain, and kindles hope in moments of despair.
Walking with the Broken-hearted
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)
Each day at St. Mary’s is a journey into the sacred spaces of human suffering and divine mercy,” shares Sr. Regi George, the coordinator of the centre. “We accompany patients in the final stages of life, many burdened with deep fears and silent questions, ‘Why has God allowed this suffering?’ Their struggles are not just of the body but of the spirit. And yet, even in the midst of pain, there is always a spark of hope, a quiet thirst for meaning and strength. We listen, we hold hands, we pray sometimes in words, often just through our presence. What begins as care for the body becomes something much more: a tender tending of wounded hearts. I have seen how a simple blessing with holy water, a soft prayer, or even just being there without answers can create moments of immense consolation. These encounters remind me that God’s providence is at work in the smallest, most hidden ways. In those final moments, it is not always healing we witness — but peace, reconciliation, and the silent assurance that every soul is deeply, endlessly loved.
From a Whisper to a Light
The centre’s journey began in response to the community’s plea for compassionate end-of-life care. On April 10, 2024, the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate opened its doors within St. Mary’s Hospital, marking the occasion with prayers and gratitude. What started small has now blossomed into Andhra Pradesh’s second fully free palliative care facility, a refuge where love speaks louder than illness.
More Than Medicine: A Ministry of Presence
Beyond pain management, the centre nurtures emotional and spiritual healing. Patients who once saw death as a terrifying end now find it framed as a sacred passage. Families, too, are comforted through grief counselling, home visits, and the reassurance that their loved ones are not alone. Even after a patient’s passing, the sisters continue to walk alongside grieving families, offering prayers and solidarity.
A Gift of Grace, Sustained by Generosity
Run by the Vijayawada Province and supported by kind-hearted donors, St. Mary’s ensures that no one is turned away for lack of funds. Medicines, meals, and a peaceful environment are provided freely, with transparency in every step. The centre also reaches beyond its walls, offering home care services to those unable to travel.
A Beacon in the Darkness
In a world where suffering often goes unseen, St. Mary’s stands as a testament to the power of love. Each act of kindness, whether a warm meal, a whispered prayer, or a moment of companionship becomes a flicker of light in someone’s darkest hour.
This is more than healthcare. It is a pilgrimage of hope, where every life is cherished until its final breath.
Together, we can be part of this sacred mission bringing comfort, dignity, and the warmth of Christ’s love to those who need it most.
Sr.Anit Thomas, Administrator
St.Mary’s Hospital, Bhimavaram
