Shawl ministry offers warmth, joy, prayers

To help those who suffer from a life-threatening illness or who are grieving the loss of a loved one, Sister Mavis Jewell, DC, has started the Prayer Shawl Ministry at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany.

She got the idea after she recovered from a bout with cancer and learned that a co-worker also had the disease. She had heard about groups around the country that were creating shawls and praying for the intended recipients.

Sister Mavis bought a book on the ministry and crocheted her first prayer shawl. She presented it to her friend at a prayer ceremony in the hospital.

"She is a nurse, and I invited some nurses who worked with her to pray with me as I placed the shawl on her shoulders," the nun said. "It was very simple really, but lovely."

Peace and comfort

Through the ministry, which began two years ago, "I wanted to be able to provide warmth, comfort, peace, joy and healing to patients and their families during times of bereavement or palliative care, hospice care, rehabilitation and convalescence," Sister Mavis said.

To solicit volunteers, she posted a notice on the hospital email system and placed notices in several Albany parish bulletins.

Both coworkers and parishioners responded, volunteering to crochet or knit a shawl. Those who couldn't sew donated gifts of yarn, gift bags, tissue paper and money.

Warm thoughts

During the creation of a shawl, the maker holds the person who will receive it in their thoughts, Sister Mavis explained.

"For some, it may mean a traditional prayer recited before, during or after making the shawl," she said. "For others, it may be a quiet reflection."

Sister Mavis has written many of the prayers herself. They include a Prayer for an Individual, a Prayer for One that Grieves and a Blessing for Our New Baby.

"The shawls have made their way around the world," she said. "We've sent them to Hungary, France and Ireland -- anyplace where we learn they are needed. They've given a lot of support to a number of people."

Wrapped in prayer

So far, the ministry has provided more than 750 shawls to people at 713 prayer services.

"Those who receive these shawls are usually going through suffering of some kind," the nun said. "Many are in our hospice unit. Others are getting chemotherapy or radiation treatments. The shawl gives bodily warmth, and spiritual and emotional comfort to the patient, but it can also give support and love to family members.

"We've given the shawls to spouses, children, relatives and friends -- anyone that is suffering along with the patient. Those who receive them know that someone cares for them, that someone has taken the time to make this for them. People will often become very quiet and peaceful after first receiving the prayer shawl."

Ancient practice

Sister Mavis noted that prayer shawls come from an ancient Hebrew tradition.

"It's a shroud that covers the person while praying and is worn by men during major Jewish ceremonies," she explained. "It's mentioned throughout Scripture.

"Receiving a prayer shawl gives a person the opportunity to experience the love and peace of God. Once they have that experience, they can move to another level, which is that place deep inside us where we need to feel loved and cared for. As long as this ministry is meaningful for people and is the work of the people of God, I will continue to do it."

(To learn more about the Prayer Shawl ministry, call Sister Mavis at 525-6678.)

(7/12/07)