At the GPR Clinic, Bishop Kohlgraf met with the Catholic chaplain, Pastoral Advisor Winfried Reininger. He was accompanied by Father Stefan Barton, head of the MainWeg pastoral district and pastor of the Catholic parish of St. Anthony of Padua in Raunheim. Pastoral care is an important part of the holistic support provided to people at the GPR Clinic and offers assistance to patients and their families regardless of their worldview.
After a brief joint prayer service in the hospital chapel with staff, patients, and visitors, a tour of the GPR Klinikum followed with members of the hospital’s executive board. The visit concluded with a discussion about the work of pastoral care at the hospital.
Bishop Kohlgraf highlighted the importance of the centrally located hospital chapel, which, in addition to hosting church services and devotions, also serves as a “space of silence.” He emphasized the significance of such a place of retreat for patients and their families. Especially during a hospital stay—and particularly in stressful or critical situations—questions, worries, and personal concerns often arise, for which a safe place of peace and reflection is essential.
During his visit, Bishop Kohlgraf made it clear that hospital chaplaincy will remain an important service offered by the Diocese of Mainz in the future.