May 2008

Geelong Hospital Spirituality Centre welcomes all

Representatives of the world’s major religions and the City of Greater Geelong Interfaith Network took part in the official opening of Geelong Hospital’s new architecturally-designed Spirituality Centre.

The new centre provides patients, visitors and staff with a place of contemplation and comfort that accommodates people of diverse faiths and those who require reflection and peace.

Barwon Health’s Acting Pastoral Care Coordinator Rosemary Maries said the region’s increasing cultural diversity led to the need for a new space.

‘The Sacred Space on level seven of the hospital has provided patients, visitors and staff with a place of reflection, prayer and peace since it opened in 1984.’

‘However, it became clear as the Geelong region has become increasingly culturally diverse, a purpose-built, multi-faith centre was necessary to ensure people of all beliefs were catered for and felt comfortable, acknowledge our unity in diversity and be a sign of reconciliation and peace.

Reverend Maries said the new Spirituality Centre is located on level three near the hospital’s front entrance—more easily accessible for patients, visitors and staff.

‘The new centre is a place that can be used by people of diverse faiths and primary symbols used are universal—earth, air, fire and water—and are integral to most faith traditions,’ she said.