The chaplain of the Clinic of the University of Navarra, Vicente Aparicio, organizes the fifth edition of the conference "Nociones de Medicina para sacerdotes, un acompañamiento integral para los enfermos.
Under the name of Notions of Medicine for Priests the course is organized, for the fifth consecutive year, under the guidance of the chaplain of the University of Navarra ClinicVicente Aparicio, and with the sponsorship of the CARF Foundation.
Approximately fifty priests participated in this activity, which took place on January 11 and February 8, 2025.
In an interview with the digital platform OmnesCUN chaplain, Vicente Aparicio, explained the objective of this conference: "it is not about priests acting as doctors, but to help us act as what we are, but with a little more training on complicated issues that we often face.
AI image of a priest in a doctor's gown.
He also pointed out that, in general, patients and their families deeply value the presence of priests in such difficult moments close to death. Visits and spiritual accompaniment are perceived as a fundamental support, since they provide comfort and strength to both the patient and their loved ones.
This accompaniment not only provides a space for prayer and reflection, but also generates an atmosphere of peace and hope in the midst of distress. The priests' words of encouragement and blessing are seen as an emotional and spiritual refuge, creating a connection that transcends the physical and helps patients and their families to face the disease with greater serenity.
Session 1: Medicine for Priests, Health and Family
This session addressed solutions to family problems. Dr. Francisco Leal Quiñones, specialist in Anesthesiology, Resuscitation and Pain Unit, emphasized the importance of leading an orderly and familiar lifestyle, with spaces for conversation, games, shared trips and contact with nature.
This kind of life, he noted, promotes the development of children, improves communication and understanding between parents and children, and contributes to the well-being of all.. There is also scientific and empirical evidence to support these benefits.
Dr. Montse Erostarbe also spoke, offering proposals to ensure that family life follows the most appropriate guidelines during childhood and adolescence, thus ensuring an integral development for children.
Second day: care for the chronically ill and degenerative diseases
During this day, guidelines were offered for the care of patients with chronic and long-term diseases.
Dr. Borja Monteroa specialist in Family and Community Medicine, provided guidelines on the spiritual care and accompaniment of these patients.
Dr. Maria Die Trilla specialist in clinical psychology, shared strategies to support both the patients and their families.
Beatriz LuquiThe social worker explained the assistance available to cover the needs of these patients, detailing who offers it, the requirements for accessing it and other key aspects.
The relationship between medicine and pastoral work has deep roots in the history of the Church. St. Josemaría Escrivá, founder of Opus Dei, had a great love for the sick and a deep admiration for health professionals.
In his teaching, he emphasized the importance of a job well done and service to others, fundamental values in both medical practice and priestly work. In addition, he promoted the creation of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Navarra in 1954, with the aim of training doctors with "great scientific category and high professional level".
Through initiatives such as the course Notions of Medicine for PriestsThe connection between medical training and pastoral work is strengthened, allowing priests to provide a more complete and empathetic accompaniment to the sick and their families.
In the interview granted to Omnes, Vicente Aparicio stressed the importance of this training for priests: "who are not only there to impart the sacraments, but also to accompany, listen and console. Many times we find ourselves in complex medical situations and having basic notions allows us to be a more effective support for the sick and their families".
