Health workers at Illesheim receive blessing with open hands

By USAG Ansbach Religious Support OfficeMay 18, 2015

Blessing of the Hands
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – ANSBACH, Germany (May 15, 2015) -- Chaplain (Maj.) Eric Dean, chaplain resource manager for U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach, pours water over the hands of a healthcare provider in the Illesheim Army Health Clinic as a symbol of anointing their hands for t... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Bowing of the heads
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – ANSBACH, Germany (May 15, 2015) -- More than 20 health care providers joined together at the Illesheim Army Health Clinic for the "Blessing of the Hands" ceremony. The Illesheim Army Health Clinic hosted a Blessing of the Hands ceremony as the conclu... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ANSBACH, Germany (May 18, 2015) -- The Illesheim Army Health Clinic hosted a Blessing of the Hands ceremony as the concluding event of the Nurses Week celebrations May 8.

The Blessing of the Hands ceremony is significant in the healthcare profession, as it recognizes and unites healthcare workers who have chosen the profession of caring for patients either directly or indirectly.

Chaplain (Maj.) Eric Dean, chaplain resource manager for U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach, officiated this ceremony. The ceremony included prayers, blessings and pouring water over hands of the healthcare providers as a symbol of anointing their hands for the sacred task of bringing life and healing to others.

More than 20 U.S. and local national nurses, nursing assistants, medics, physicians and administrative specialists volunteered to participate in the ceremony. Upon conclusion of the ceremony, everyone was invited to join in on the potluck lunch.

Related Links:

USAG Ansbach official home page

USAG Ansbach Dental and Medical

USAG Ansbach Religious Support Office