Chair, Committee on the Family Sr. Cecilia Adache, OSF, RN, MPH, CFCP, CFCE - Nigeria
Chair, Midwives Committee Dr. Mabel D Rozario, RN, RM,BSc, MPH, PhD - Bangladesh
Chair, Professional Committee Mrs. Roseanne Aloo Nyabera,BSN, MPH, RN - Kenya
Chair, Statutes Committee Mrs. Grace Atieno Thirikwa, RN,RM - Kenya
Representative. to United Nations (UN/DGC/ ECOSOC/ UNICEF)Dr. Anne Reeser, DNP, APRN-
BC, RN - USA
Representative to Crescendo Ms. Béatrice van Dorsser, BN, RN The Netherlands
Page 1
From The President's Desk
May I greet you all my dear brothers and sisters, using the
commandment that Jesus Christ gave to us all; “Love one another as I have loved you”. These words lie at the heart of the
work of Catholic Nurses from the four regions of the world. They call upon us to reflect on Christ’s compassionate, patient
and unconditional love, to our clients, patients and colleagues struggling with numerous challenges (mental and physical
illness, economic and to a certain extent even political challenges). As nurses we are called upon to try and do like Christ. Let us accompany
each other with love that is not passive, but love that is active and intentional, seeking to listen and affirm dignity to every person. Let us create communities of belonging, healing and hope, where no one suffers alone and all are treated with tender care of Christ Himself.
At this point I would like to refer to the oral statement to United Nations by our
colleague Anne. Her statement was both inspiring and compelling. I hope all CICIAMS members were able to read or listen to it. Talking about promoting the well-being for “all and at all ages” resonate well with our work, and at the center of work should be love for all and at all ages. Catholic nurses as members of families and communities should teach love in families and be at peace with communities in order to promote the wellbeing for all.
I would also like to share with the experience I had in April when as chairperson of the
Good Shepherd Catholic Hospital and College of Health Sciences. I had the honor to host His Majesty the King of Eswatini, King Mswati the Third. It was his first time to be the guest of honour at our graduation ceremony. We were not sure how best to prepare for the head of the country‘s visit. With support from the King’s office protocol officers we were able to prepare and were assured that everything was in order. Upon his arrival I was told I would have to sit next to him. I was shocked wondering what will I be saying and how. To my pleasant surprise His Majesty was fatherly, he made me comfortable and asking about the college, the hospital and the entertainments. Fortunately, he had recently visited the Holy Father Pope Francis. I was able to
appreciate that and he was able to share with me his experience during his meeting with the Pope. With fraternal love we welcome Pope Leo X1V. I encourage all of us to pray for our Pope, our Kings and all Heads of States to put first God’s People. Our Holy Mother Mary Please Pray for Us.
---Dr. Rosemary Khosi Mthethwa, MPH, PhD, RN
CICIAMS XXII World Congress 11-13 November 2026; Executive Board meeting 9 Nov; General Council Meeting 10 Nov Baan Phu Waan Pastoral Training Center, 2/4 Moo 6, Petkasem Rd. Tha Kham, Nakhonpathom 73110 Thailand Program, Registration & Call for Abstracts at: www.ciciams2026.com/; info@ciciams2026.com; Facebook: CICIAMS.2026; Abstracts due November 2025
As required by the CICIAMS Statutes, the CICIAMS Executive Board held the annual meeting in Rome, Italy on April 3 & 4 in conjunction with the Jubilee for the Sick and Healthcare Workers. Due to organization fiscal constraints, Board members all paid their transportation cost and some of the accommodations were shared by CICIAMS. Thus,
fiscal viability of the organization was a key topic on the agenda. The Executive Board investigated a mechanism to allow for annual subscription payments via credit card to ease the challenges encountered and costs of international bank wire transfers. Unfortunately the major international companies that facilitate this (e.g. Pay Pal etc.) do not have the Vatican Bank in their systems. The Executive Board will continue to research options but for now, it would be
very advantageous to the success of CICIAMS if all national associations would expedite payment of the 2025 annual subscription by the deadline of June 30, 2025.Thank you sincerely for those who have already done so and continue to do so throughout the years. Thank you for
all the Board Members who funded part or all of their transportation, accommodations and meals in order to continue the business of CICIAMS.
Dr. Gosia Brykczynska, PhD, RN, OCV, President,CICIAMS Europe Region secured modest accommodations
with the Pallottine Missionary Sisters, Viale delle Mura Aurelie 7B within walking distance of the Vatican and St. Peter’s Square. The Executive Board meeting began on April 3rd with the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass by Rev. Fr. Kenneth G. Sleyman, MM, International Ecclesiastical Assistant in the Pallotine Sisters’ chapel. CICIAMS International President – Dr.Rosemary Khosi Mthethwa, MPH, PhD, RN from the Kingdom of Eswatini welcomed the Board stating, “I think it symbolic that we hold our first physical meeting in Rome and during the Lenten Season. This period is a time of reflection, repentance and renewal – a journey of reconciliation with God and one another. For me, when we embrace the call to reconciliation, we not only restore our spiritual well-being but also nurture our mental health.” Dr. Mthethwa discussed two Executive Board meetings held virtually, the transition of the new board members following their election at the 7th Africa Region meeting in Kenya, and announced that Micaela Osimani replaced Silvija Valsij as our secretary in the Vatican office. Lastly Dr. Mthethwa briefly presented her attendance on behalf of CICIAMS at the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life annual meeting held on 13 June 2024, theme: Challenge of Synodality for Missions where His Holiness Pope Francis expressed his desire that, “Synodality may endure as a permanent mode of working within the church at all levels, permeating the hearts of all, pastors and faithful alike, until it become a shared ‘ecclesial style’.” The meeting continued with each Region President discussing activities in their regions and efforts to grow CICIAMS. The committee chairs and representatives discussed activities of each of the committees. The minutes from the two day CICIAMS Executive Board meeting will be posted on the CICIAMS website.
Pages 3-5
His Holiness Pope Francis Greets & Blesses Jubilee for the Sick & Healthcare Workers
Jubilee for the Sick & Healthcare Workers On April 6, 2025 the CICIAMS Executive Board and members from across the world were very, very fortunate to
receive the blessing of His Holiness Pope Francis following the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for the Sick and Healthcare
Workers. Though receiving supplemental oxygen, weakened from his five week hospitalization and in a wheelchair, His
Holiness expressed his gratitude to the faithful, “A happy Sunday to you all, many thanks!”
CICIAMS XXII WORLD CONGRESS
Hosted by the Catholic Nurses Guild of Thailand
Our hosts have selected a beautiful facility 45 minutes from Bangkok.The link for registration will open 1 July 2025 at www.ciciams2026.com Please register as early as possible so that CNG-Th will have sufficient funds for the deposit for accommodations and other expenses. For those arriving earlier than 8 November 2026, you may reserve a hotel in Bangkok or contact the Baan Phu Waan and request additional nights directly at https://baanphuwaan.org/en/home-en/ Regarding those who partake in the November 14 tour and river board cruise,
your luggage will be moved by the host to the hotel you reserve locally or in Bangkok. Information regarding airport transportation is available in the registration at a cost of $50/van which has a capacity of six individuals. Hope to see many of you in Thailand in 2026!
Theme: HUMAN DIGNITY AND PEACE: TIME FOR GLOBAL TRANSFORMATION
1. Perspectives of Catholic Nurses in Applying a Theology of Healthcare
2. Empower Catholic Nurses to Promote Human Values from Conception to Dignified Death
3. Unity in diversity – Being a Catholic nurse in a multi-cultural world
SUBMIT ABSTRACTS: www.ciciams2026.com/ due November 2025 Notification May 2025-January 2026
CICIAMS at the United Nations – 2025 58th Session of the Commission on Population and Development United Nations Headquarter, NYC, NY, USA, April 7-11, 2025 Oral Statement (3 minutes) Presented by Dr. Anne Reeser CICIAMS UN NGO Team Members: Dr. Khosi Mthethwa, Mrs. DianaRuzicka, Dr. Patricia Sayers, Susanne Staiano
Theme: Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all
at all ages.
Commission Chair, Distinguished Panel Members, National
Representatives, & Guests: The International Catholic Committee of Nurses and Medico-
Social Assistants (CICIAMS) would like to thank the 58th Commission on Population and Development for this opportunity to present to member nations. Let us all come together around the world to promote the well-being for “all and at all ages” with simple but real solutions in caring for one another by promoting the values discussed here today.
CICIAMS’s Oral Statement addresses: 1) Fertility Health and Falling Fertility Rates
2) The Family and Our Aging Population 3) Education and its effects on Poverty.
1. Fertility Health and Falling Fertility Rates First, as fertility rates continue to decline, two-thirds ofhumanity are living in countries below the replacement rate of 2.1 births per woman (McKinsey and Company,
2024). The United Nations (2024) predicted that by the year 2100, the populations of many countries will continue to fall by 20-50 percent. These falling fertility rates will bear the impact of the scarcity of our youth and can cause major economic downturns (McKinsey and Company, 2024).
These declines in fertility rates are linked to choices to have fewer children, changes in cultural values, a waning in religious faith, an abandoning of marriage and the family, economic uncertainties, and a growing acceptance of artificial contraception and abortion. According to Clark & Mühlrad (2016) and others, the removal of legal restrictions on abortion have shown a reduction in fertility (Pop-Eleches, 2010 & Bloom, Canning, Fink, & Finlay, 2009). We need to remember that children are a blessing from God and should not be a calculated risk. The Creighton Model FertilityCare System & NaProTechnology is a natural family planning method that is 95% effective and easily taught (Pope Paul VI Institute, 2019). It allows women to monitor and maintain their
gynecological and procreative health. CICIAMS is committed to helping women by promoting nurse-led fertility clinics globally. The results can rebalance the population-age structure (CICIAMS 2015-2017).
2. The Family and Our Aging Population Next, the family is and always has been the foundational unit of any society. Families provide emotional support, spiritual growth, and are a place where children learn to foster mutual love and respect. Parents, as the primary educators of their children, are ultimately responsible for overseeing the education and well-being of their children.
As our younger population continues to decline and the longevity of our ageing population increases, the family will be of the utmost importance. Human life expectancy by 2050 is predicted to be at 77.3 years (UN Population Division, 2023). The immediate and extended family play a significant role in caring for all persons from Natural Birth to Natural Death. By their continued dedication and participation in the World Day of the Sick, CICIAMS brings hope to those
individuals and families.
3. Education and its effects on Poverty Lastly, childhood poverty is associated with a multitude of adverse health effects that will continue into adulthood. The lack of education and poverty are deeply intertwined (Healthy People 2030). Receiving an education is one of the best ways to achieve financial stability and improve health (Global Citizen, 2020).
In 2020, 260 million children were out of school (258 million children in 2018, (IUS, 2018)) including fifteen (15) million girls and ten (10) million boys who will never have the opportunity to attend school (UNESCO 2020). Mary’s Meals, founded in 2002, is an international organization which believes every child needs enough to eat and deserves an education. They serve over 2.6 million meals a day in schools across the world (Mary’s Meals, 2025).
Also, the Nurses of CICIAMS work directly in projects such as the Sanitary Hygiene Project for adolescent girls 1to help keep them in school, and they are instrumental in working with other agencies involving the clean Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene program, the W.A.S.H. Program (CICIAMS, 2024).
In Closing, let us all come together around the world to promote the well-being for “all and at all ages” with simple but real solutions as discussed here today. In the words of Saint Faustina: “A magnificent building will never rise if we reject the insignificant bricks.”
Thank you from the International Catholic Committee of Nurses and Medico-Social Assistants (CICIAMS) from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. God Bless you.
Pages 8-9
From the CICIAMS Ethics Committee National Association Presidents
to Review & Comment on Documents Joyce Asufi, BNSc, MPH, RN
Chair, Ethics Committee
CICIAMS is blessed to have an active, dedicated and truly international Ethics Committee.
The Ethics committee composed of Joyce Asufi, BNSc, MPH, RN, Chair (Nigeria), Rev Fr.Ken Sleyman, MM (Japan), Rev. Sr Marivincent, PhD, RN (South Korea), DiAnn Ecret, MSN, RN, MA cert. THL (USA), Teresa Lynch, MSc, RN (England & Wales), Mary Ogina, KRN, KRM, BSc, MSc, RN (Kenya) and Catherine Pero, BNSc, RMW, Adv. Dip. PHNsg, MEd,RN (Malaysia). These members respond promptly when a meeting is called by the Chair which demonstrates their dedication to CICIAMS and Ethics. Thank you to each of you! There are currently two documents circulating for review by each of the National Catholic Nurses Associations/Guilds. These are the CICIAMS Ethics Guidelines and the Safeguarding Policy for Minors and Vulnerable Adults
The Ethics committee met in several online sessions to compose these documents and now
relies on the General Council (GC) leadership to review and make recommendations for changes so that these can be approved at the General Council meeting in Thailand on November 10, 2026. The General Council composed of the Presidents of the National Catholic Nurses Association/Guilds is the supreme governing body of CICIAMS.
1. CICIAMS Ethics Guidelines. CICIAMS Ethics Guidelines and Principles of Practice for Catholic Nurses and Midwives were last revised in 2014.With the many changes in Health Care, the Ethics Committee undertook to review the guidelines and published a vision in 2023. This revision was circulated to the Executive Board for review and comment. In 2024 the document was circulated to the President of the National Association/Guilds for review with a deadline of June 30, 2025. ollowing the introduction, the CICIAMS Ethics Guidelines section one focuses on the social responsibilities of Catholic nurses. Section two addresses spiritual/pastoral responsibilities. Section three concentrates on the professional responsibilities of the Catholic Nurse. Section four emphasizes the responsibilities of the Catholic Nurse in issues of procreation. And lastly, section five centers on the care for the dying and seriously ill. The committee is very thankful to the Dr. Hiroko Shimizu, PhD, RN and the Presidents of the Asia Region who have provided consolidated input to the committee well before the requested deadline. We look forward to receiving
responses for all. Your input is very valuable.
2. Safeguarding Policy for Minor and Vulnerable Adults. 2
This policy requires careful review for cultural applicability and the ability of the Association/Guild to implement.
History: On May 3, 2011, William Cardinal Levada, Prefect for the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith published a circular letter “To Assist Episcopal Conference in Developing Guidelines for Dealing with Cases of Sexual Abuses of Minors perpetrated by Clerics” which required Episcopal Conferences to develop guidelines. On May 23, 2018, then CICIAMS International President, Sr. Anne John RJM (India), received from the Kevin Cardinal Farrell, Prefect, Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life a letter (Prot. N. 2018/487 – II/20) indicating that association draw up rules and procedures, in relation to their internal life and apostolate, for the protection of minors and vulnerable adults. After ongoing communication with the Legal Office at the Dicastery LFL it was indeed determined that even though CICIAMS is an Association of Nurses Association and does not provide direct care as an association, a policy was required. An initial guideline was attempted by the Secretary General and presented to the CICIAMS Executive Board in 2023. The CICIAMS Executive Board subsequently referred this project to the Ethics Committee. Purpose: The Ethics Committee concluded drafting the policy in 2024 and sent it for circulation directly to the Presidents of each National Catholic Nurses Association and through the Region Presidents to collate responses. The purpose of this policy is to establish clear guidelines and responsibilities for safeguarding minors (children under 18) and vulnerable adults (individuals who may be at risk due to age, disability, or other circumstances). It ensures that CICIAMS creates a safe environment where all members, especially minors and vulnerable adults, are protected from harm, abuse, exploitation, or neglect. This policy aligns with Catholic ethical teachings and legal safeguarding requirements and does not replace national laws or Church safeguarding directives but serves as a guiding document to promote a unified safeguarding culture across all member countries.
Highlight of Key Items in Policy for your Action. Please make the time to review this policy. It will require that each Association 1) Designate a “Safeguarding Officer” to whom report of any concerns or suspicions of abuse are reported, 2) The Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) must maintain confidential records of all reports, ensure appropriate action is taken and provide regular updates and training to group members. 3) members attend training sessions to remain informed about safeguarding practices. 4) Each member country must establish its own national reporting procedures in
accordance with local safeguarding laws. This can and should be done following guidelines established by the National Bishops Conference. It is not my intent here to review the full policy.
We sincerely request your review and comments by June 30, 2025, at the latest, by the end of the year so that revisions can be made for approval at the General Council meeting in November 2026. Please contact your Region President for a copy of the policy and provide comments to the Region President for collation. Thank you.
Pages 9
5TH World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly Sunday, July 27, 2025 His Holiness Pope Francis chose the theme for the 5th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which will be celebrated this year on Sunday, 27 July: Béatrice van Dorsser,BN Representative for Care of the Elderly
Sunday, July 27, 2025 His Holiness Pope Francis chose the theme for the 5th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which will be celebrated this year on Sunday, 27 July: “Blessed are those who have not lost hope.” (cf. Sir 14, 2)
These words, taken from the Book of Sirach, express the beatitude of the elderly and show the hope in the Lord as the path to Christian and reconciled old age. In the Jubilee year, the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, established by Pope Francis in 2021, aims to provide an opportunity to reflect on the presence of grandparents and the elderly as a sign of hope in every family and ecclesial community. The Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life reiterates the call from Pope Francis to all people to celebrate the Day in every diocese and to dedicate the celebrations on Sunday, 27 July, to theelderly, encouraging visits and meetings between generations. Béatrice van Dorsser will represent CICIAMS at the 2nd "Congress on the Pastoral Care of the Elderly" hosted by the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life to be held at the Jesuit General Curia near St. Peter’s Basilica on October 2-4, 2025.
Pages 10-11
From the CICIAMS Africa Region PERIOD FRIENDLY WORLD PROJECT
This write up is about “PERIOD FRIENDLY” a project embarked upon by the Africa region of CICIAMS to educate young school girls and rural women on menstrual hygiene and distribution of sanitary pads to maintain
cleanliness and good hygiene. Before going into menstrual hygiene, I will like to talk about menstruation and the activities surrounding it. Menstruation is the shedding of the endometrial lining of the uterus with visible appearance of blood at the vulva. On the average, the menstrual flow begins in young girls at about the age of 13 yrs and an acceptable normal range of onset of normal menstruation is 10 to 16 years. The onset of first menstruation is called menarche.
The cyclic appearance of menstruation continues on the average for 36years and this is generally considered as the reproductive age. It ceases on the average of about the age of 49 years. The normal range is between 37 to 56 years and when menstruation ceases, it is known as menopause. A normal menstrual cycle is from the first day of menstruation till the last day before the onset of next menstruation. The average length of a cycle is 28 days and this however ranges from 21 to 35 days (short, average, and long cycles) are regarded normal provided is between 21 – 35 days. Normal menstrual flow is 3 to 7 days as it varies in individuals.
HORMONES There are two main hormones of the female reproductive system – Oestrogen and progesterone. At the end of menstruation, a follicle starts to grow and develop in one of the ovaries and it begins to produce estrogen which is the dominant hormone in pre-ovulatory stage. It is the estrogen hormone that stimulates the cervix to increase its production of mucus so that it will be receptive to both the survival and penetrability of the spermatozoa. Once the ovum is matured, the follicle ruptures and ovulation takes place. The ruptured follicle becomes a corpus luteum which stimulates the production of progesterone which is the dominant hormone in the post ovulatory phase. Progesterone decreases the production of mucus in
the cervix and increased the lining of the endometrium of the uterus. The endometrium grows thicker in preparation to receive a fertilized ovum.
In the absence of fertilization, the endometrial lining is shed and bleeding occurs which is known as menstruation occurring once every month from menarche to menopause.
Click here for anatomical diagram of female reproductive system MENSTRUAL HYGIENE Menstruation is a natural process but poor hygiene practices can lead to health issues, discomfort and social stigma.
DEFINITION AND INTRODUCTION Menstrual hygiene is defined as the practice of maintaining cleanliness during menstrual flow. Good menstrualhygiene is essential for physical and emotional well-being, boost confidence and self-esteem. The Africa Region of CICIAMS recognizes the significant impact of menstrual hygiene on girls education. According to UNICEF, 1 in 10 African girls misses school during menstruation leading to educational setbacks and dropout rates. Additionally, fertility-care practitioners have linked many cases of blocked tubes to unsterile menstrual
hygiene practices which can lead to infections like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and subsequent complications. This widespread issue in the region prompted the initiation of this project which is aimed at educating women on menstrual hygiene and providing them with sanitary pads. In commitment to ensuring the success of this project, members have gone all out to raise fund from within and outside of the region. I am glad to say that this project has taken off in all the member countries in Africa educating school girls and women under the following headings:-
1. Personal hygiene – Highlighting practices such as regular bathing and cleaning the genital and frequent washing of
hands.
2. Cleanliness of under wears – stressing the need to wear clean underwear’s and wash them regularly.
3. Proper usage of sanitary pads – guidance on selecting the right pads usage and change.
4. Preventing contamination – proper handling
5. Changing and disposing of used pads- proper disposal to ensure environmental cleanliness.
CONCLUSION:
Menstrual hygiene management is a crucial aspect of women’s health that is often over looked and stigmatized proper management can prevent infections, reduce reproductive health issues, boost confidence and self-esteem and improve access to education by ensuring regular school attendance. The Africa Region of CICIAMS is committed to this initiative. We aim to reach 10 million school girls and 10 million rural women annually. With great commitment from members and support from friends and philanthropist, we shall meet this target. Together we can.
Catholic Nurses Guild of South Africa
MENSTRUAL HYGIENE PROJECT
Greetings to our President and to my sisters and brothers in Christ. In this Jubilee of hope we trust and hope to be guided and to be interceded by our mother, Mary of the sick to see Christ in every person.
We thank the CICIAMS President and Japan for the donation towards this project . The
CNGSA visited Mowbary Primary School which is a disadvantaged school and built in a deep rural area in a Roman Catholic Mission. Grade 7 young girls between 12 to 15yrs were targeted for the project .The Health talk conducted featured the followings :
• Drinking of plenty water to prevent the discomfort
• Personal Hygiene
• Hand Hygiene Practice
• Behavioural conduct during this milestone development
Each child was given a hygiene pack consisting of a cosmetic bag which is packed with tooth brush, tooth paste, face towel, soap and a packet of sanitary
pads. The 54 packets were handed over to the Class teachers for the future use. CNG SA extended the Menstrual Hygiene project to another rural area on
the 21/03/2025 and visited St Cecilia Parish Community in Umzimkhulu. Health talk was presented to young girls and young women. Donations of old
clothing to the disadvantage as Corporal works of Mercy to cloth the naked was conducted. The day was a success as young ladies and grannies
were listening attentively .The children participated in the health education and were able to show active listening.
Pages 12-14
Catholic Nurses Guild of Nigeria
MENSTRUAL HYGIENE PROJECT
Introduction On the 20th of January 2025, a project themed Menstrual Hygiene project with the slogan (Pad up a Girl) was carried out by the Catholic Nurses Guild in collaboration with the Benin Ecclesiastical Province, hosted by the
Diocese of Auchi. The event took place at Uralo Grammar School, with the participation of 192 female students from Junior Secondary School 1
(JSS1) to Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3). This initiative aimed to promote menstrual hygiene education and distribute sanitary pads to support
the health and dignity of adolescent girls.
Objective The primary goal of this project was to educate young girls on the importance of maintaining proper menstrual hygiene and to provide them with essential resources to practice it. The program aimed to address knowledge gaps, dispel myths, and reduce stigma around
menstruation while empowering students to manage their menstrual cycles confidently.
Activities Conducted 1. Health Talk on Menstrual Hygiene: A comprehensive health talk was delivered, focusing on the topic of menstrual hygiene. The presentation covered the following key areas:
• Definition of Menstrual Hygiene: Emphasizing the importance of maintaining cleanliness during menstruation.
• Personal Hygiene: Highlighting practices such as frequent handwashing, regular bathing, and cleaning the genital area.
• Undergarment Cleanliness: Stressing the need to wear clean, breathable clothing and wash undergarments regularly.
• Proper Usage of Sanitary Pads: Providing guidance on selecting, using, and changing sanitary pads.
• Preventing Contamination and Proper Disposal: Educating on the hygienic handling and disposal of used
sanitary pads to ensure environmental cleanliness.
• Additional Tips: Encouraging students to track their menstrual cycles, carry spare supplies, and manage cramps
through relaxation techniques.
2. Sanitary Pad Distribution: After the health talk, sanitary pads were distributed to all 192 students in attendance. This act of support was aimed at addressing resource constraints and ensuring that the students could immediately implement the practices discussed. Demonstration on how to handle and apply the sanitary pad
Distribution of pad to senior secondary school student
Topic Highlights: The session emphasized:
• The role of menstrual hygiene in physical, emotional, and social well-being.
• Practical guidelines for maintaining cleanliness and managing menstruation effectively.
• Encouragement to seek support when needed and explore sustainable menstrual products.
Impact The session emphasized: The project successfully equipped 192 female students with the knowledge and resources necessary to maintain their menstrual hygiene. The interactive nature of the session allowed for active participation, while the distribution of sanitary pads ensured tangible support for the students. Teachers and Corpers also benefited from the talk
• Encouragement to seek support when needed and explore sustainable menstrual products.
CONCLUSION This project was an impactful initiative that not only educated young girls about menstrual hygiene but also boosted their confidence and self-esteem. By addressing a critical need in adolescent health, the Catholic Nurses Guild and its collaborators demonstrated their commitment to empowering the next generation of women.
Are you a Nurse who is Catholic or a Catholic Nurse? <
On August 27, 1935 at the second International Catholic Nurses’ World Congress held in
Rome, His Holiness Pope Pius XI addressed the 2000 nurses assembled at Castel Gandolfo. He warned the nurses about the move to secularize nursing education, to de-Christianize nursing and to expel “Christ from the bedside of the sick, from the bedside of the suffering, He who came to bring consolation to all suffering, He who wanted to suffer everything in order to console and comfort the suffering.”
After expressing concerns about paganism and materialism penetrating everywhere, His Holiness stated, “You must correspond to what the good God Himself, the Divine Redeemer, did when He thought of sending His Apostles to the world, to bring it the treasure of His doctrine, His example and His consolations. What did He do? First of all, He was concerned only with filling them with this supernatural, Christian spirit, with making them the bearers of spirituality, of the supernatural. The law is always the same, indefectible: we can never give to others what we do not have ourselves...Now it is precisely this treasure of spirituality, of the supernatural that your assistance wishes to give to the sick.
His Holiness expressed the importance of nurses also bringing material bodily comfort and having technical expertise. But you also want material, bodily relief; as Our Lord Jesus Christ also did, He commanded His Apostles: "Go and bring everywhere also well-being, health of the body, but above all and above all bring salvation to souls". The life of the body, yes, but even more, infinitely more, the spiritual life, which goes directly to the soul, that soul from which the body itself draws its true value. Finally he expressed the importance of helping each other, of fraternal help/union of thought, prayer, works, actions and filial adherence to the Holy Church and Hierarchy. However, first and foremost we must possess the Christian supernatural ourselves. Here are 5 Catholic disciplines recommended by Our Lady. Might we adopt some or all of these, to help us deepen our interior life so we can indeed share Christ with others?
Pages 15
From the CICIAMS Asia Region
From the CICIAMS Asia Region Bangladesh Catholic Nurses Guild (BCNG)
Advent and Pre-Christmas Celebration The Bangladesh Catholic Nurses Guild organized a whole day program for Advent Retreat and Pre-Christmas celebration on 13.12.2024 at Mother Teresa Bhaban adjacent to Tejgaon Holy Rosary Church. After the welcome
message by Prof. Mabel D Rozario, President, Bangladesh Catholic Nurses Guild, Rev. Fr. Dr. Lintu Francis D Costa, Convener, Health Commission, Dhaka Arch Diocese gave a talk on the spirit of the upcoming Christmas. Rev. Fr.Kakon Reberio, Diocesan Priest and Rector, Minor Seminary , Mirpur offered the Holy Mass, and Confession for thenurses. After the lunch, all the nurses participated in Christmas Carol. A total of 50 (fifty) nurses attended the event.
From the CICIAMS Asia Region -Bangladesh Catholic Nurses Guild (BCNG)
Article By by Professor Mabel D. Rozario, President, BCNG
Celebration of 33rd World Day of the Sick BCNG observed 33rd World Day of the Sick at Lourder Rani Health Centre yesterday, 14.02.2025 at Dhorenda, Savar. Thirty-one (31) nurses attended the program. More than 150 people, including 26 special children, local people, and guests also attended. The program was started with a rally carrying the image of Mother Mary from Grotto and placed it next to the altar. We lighted candles for David and his family, Teresa Reberio, the ex. President and Adviser of BCNG who is seriously ill and hospitalized and for all the Christian sick nurses in the world and prayed for them. A sports programme was also arranged for the special children, and prizes were distributed to the winners. We also gave gifts to the special children who were present in the program. After the holy mass offered by Bishop Theotonius Gomes, csc and Fr. Amol D Cruze, blessed oil was anointed on the foreheads of the nurses and the special children and whoever wanted to. Packet lunch was also provided for all the participants.
From the CICIAMS Asia Region Hong Kong Catholic Nurses’ Guild (HKCNG)
LENT RETREAT by President Ms. Chan Shuk Han Joan
There are currently 80 active members in Hong Kong Catholic Nurses’ guild. She is composed of four branches i.e. QEH branch, KWH branch, QMH branch and RS & HKS branch. Ms. Chan Shuk Han Joan is the president of Guild from 2023-2025. The coming annual general meeting will be held on 14.06.2025.
Lent Retreat BCNG observed 33rd World Day of the Sick at Lourder Rani Health Centre yesterday, 14.02.2025 at Dhorenda, Savar. Thirty-one (31) nurses attended the program. More than 150 people, including 26 special children, local people, and guests also attended. The program was started with a rally carrying the image of Mother Mary from Grotto and placed it next to the altar. We lighted candles for David and his family, Teresa Reberio, the ex. President and Adviser of BCNG who is seriously ill and hospitalized and for all the Christian sick nurses in the world and prayed for them. A sports programme was also arranged for the special children, and prizes were distributed to the winners. We also gave gifts to the special children who were present in the program. After the holy mass offered by Bishop Theotonius Gomes, csc and Fr. Amol D Cruze, blessed oil was anointed on the foreheads of the nurses and the special children and whoever wanted to. Packet lunch was also provided for all the participants.
2. Spiritual gathering with Sister Rose Chow, PIME
Sister Rose Chow, PIME has joined HKCNG since she was a nursing student. After her graduation, she started her new page of life as she answered to the call of God.
She became a PIME Sister. She has her missionary works in Bangladesh for years. She came back to HK for her holidays and meeting her mother. A bible
sharing session was held on 27.04.2025. we shared bible reading and her missionary services to elderly, sick, school children and health care works. Totally 18 CNG
members met in the gathering. We all thanked and praised our lord for his grace on Sr Rose. We prayed for His continuous blessings to her as well.
3. One day local Pilgrimage In response to the 2025 Jubilee “Pilgrims of Hope” around 70 CNG members and friends visited St. Francis of Assisi Church and Chapel of the Epiphany of our lord on 01.05.2025. We are impressed by learning the
history of two Churches and their parish. A mass themed “Pray for nurses” was held by our spiritual director Rev. Lawrence Lee, Chancellor in St Francis Church. We are grateful for our God who always accompanies us during difficult times and strengthens our faith, hope and love towards Him.
Nurses in the News
“Not to the East, but to the West” :
Mother Cabrini also known as Saint Frances Xaiver Cabrini , was born in 1850 in Lombardy, Italy. Frances Cabrini was educated by the Daugthers of the Sacred Heart, a religious order where she learned practical nursing skills, which were crucial to her later missionary work. She never attended a formal nursing school as we think of today, but her hands-on experience in
convent hospitals and orphanages gave her a solid foundation in caregiving.
Mother Cabrini’s perseverance in the face of illness is often cited as part of what made her an extraordinary and inspiring figure. She was born prematurely and remained physically delicate for much of her life. Family and teachers believed she would not live long or be suited for missionary work. She suffered from frequent fevers, migraines, and fatigue. Despite this, she worked tirelessly, often pushing herself beyong her physical limits. She was initially denied entry into several religious communities because of her weak health. On November 14, 1880 she founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Codogno, Italy.
In 1887 Mother Cabrini sought papal approval to go to China, which had long been her dream as a missionary. When she met Pope Leo XIII he advised her not to go East but to go West – specifically to the United States, to assist the thousands of Italian immigrants struggling there. His famous words to her, “Not to the East, but to the West” changed the course of her mission --- and Catholic history in the United States of America. She was the first woman to lead an overseas mission. Following Pope Leo XIII’s guidance, she arrived in New York City in 1889 with six sisters. There, she founded schools, orphanages, and hospitals to support Italian immigrants and other underserved populations. The first hospital she established was the 100-bed Columbus Hospital at 226-228 East 20th Street, Manhattan, New York City founded in 1892 to care for poor Italian immigrants who were often neglected by existing medical institutions. Its mission was to provide compassionate care regardless of a person’s ability to pay. Despite her poor health, Mother Cabrini traveled extensively, including more than 24 transatlantic trips establishing schools, hospitals and orphanages around the world. Today the MSCs are currently active in 15 countries across six continents providing education, healthcare, social services and support for marginalized communities along with their lay partners and volunteers. Mother Cabrini became the first U.S. citizen to be canonized a saint.
Pages 19
From the CICIAMS Europe Region
Catholic Association of Polish Nurses and Midwives, Krakow Branch
Katolickie Stowarzyszenie Pielęgniarek i Położnych Polskich (KSPiPP) by Helena Matoga, MA, RN,Vice Postulator for the Cause of the Canonization of Blessed Hanna Chrzanowska
Photos show blessing of the New University Hospital chapel in Krakow and the introduction of the relics of Bl Hanna Chrzanowska, RN. Catholic Nurses' Association were present.
Habemus Papam – His Holiness Pope Leo XIV “Peace be with you all!” “These are the first words spoken by the risen Christ, the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for God’s flock. I would like this greeting of peace to resound in your hearts, in your families, among all people, wherever they may be,
in every nation and throughout the world. Peace be with you!”
On May 8, 2025, the day of the Prayer of Supplication to Our Lady of Pompeii, the college of
Cardinal under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit elected Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th pope, the successor of St. Peter. In his first blessing ‘Urbi et Orbi’ Holy Father Leo XIV stated, “I am an Augustinian, a son of Saint Augustine, who once said, “With you I am a Christian, and
for you I am a bishop.” In this sense, all of us can journey together toward the homeland that God has prepared for us.” Born in Chicago, Illinois, USA on September 14, 1955, Pope Leo XIV is also a naturalized citizen of Peru serving 20 years there. In his first greeting as the Holy
Father, he greeted first everyone and then particularly “my beloved Diocese of Chicalyo, Peru.” Pope Leo XIV is fluent
in English, Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese. He can also read Latin and German. The Name. In his address to the College of Cardinals, Pope Leo XIV revealed why he chose to take the name Leo XIV. “There are different reasons for this, but mainly because Pope Leo XIII in his historic Encyclical
Rerum Novarum addressed the social question in the context of the first great industrial revolution. In our own day, the Church offers to everyone the treasury of her social teaching in response to another industrial revolution and to developments in the field of artificial intelligence that pose new challenges for the defence of human dignity, justice and labour.” He highlighted several fundamental points on the path that the universal Church has and should continue to follow:
• The return to the primacy of Christ in proclamation
• The missionary conversion of the entire Christian community
• Growth in collegiality and synodality
• Attention to the sensus fidei, especially in its most authentic and inclusive forms, such as popular piety
• Loving care for the least and the rejected
• Courageous and trusting dialogue with the contemporary world in its various components
and realities
Teresa Rebeiro 14 May 1945 – 26 February 2025 by Mabel D Rozario, President BCNG
On Saturday, March 1, 2025, the family organized a memorial service for Didi and her family's relatives, friends, well-wishers, and acquaintances at the Wethersfield funeral home in America to see her last and pray for the peace of her soul. She will be brought to Bangladesh for the funeral on March 8, 2025. Didi's contribution to the Nurses Guild since its inception will be written in golden letters in the history of the Nurses Guild. She was a
dedicated, selfless, and sincere worker of the Nurses Guild. She served as the President for most of the time, that is, for 24 years, since the inception
of the Nurses Guild. Didi attended the International Congress of CICIAMS held in Taiwan in 1998. At that time, she maintained contact with
CICIAMS through the Asian Regional President, Mr. Richard Lai. With her death, the Nurses Guild lost a compassionate, loving, and dutiful Didi
whose place will never be filled. Even in her illness, Didi always encouraged, advised, and inspired us to take the work of the Nurses Guild forward. If possible, she would be present and work with us. Nurses Guild was Didi's fourth child. She was always active in taking care of this child.
Teresa Rebeiro's contribution behind my current identity as a nurse teacher is mentionable. In 1984, Sister Steffani Mass was the principal of Kumudini Nursing School. She was a resident of Holland. At that time, there was a shortage of teachers in that nursing school. Sister Steffani Mass, who had just taken over as the principal, contacted Sister Teresa Rebeiro, the president of the Nurses Guild. I was then studying in the first year of the B.Sc. Nursing program at Mohakhali Nursing College. Didi then gave my name and address to Sister and said, "You should contact Mabel D Rozario." Later, Sister Stephanie Mass went to Nursing College and contacted me, and after completing my degree, I joined Kumudini Nursing School. After that, I taught at Kumudini Nursing School and Kumudini Nursing College for 25 consecutive years. When I was studying for the B.Sc. Nursing program at Mohakhali Nursing College, two other members of the Nurses Guild were with me. One is Jyotsna Rozario, currently an advisor to the Nurses Guild,
and the other is Tara Rodrigues. She is currently based in Canada. Jyotsna Rozario says in her memoir that Teresa encouraged her to pursue higher education in nursing. We were provided with financial assistance from the Nurses Guild while studying in college.
Didi (elder sister), your absence will surely hurt us, but we also know that you will bless us from heaven. So that we can take forward the work of the Nurses Guild. We can open an old age home and a nursing institute for nurses at the Queen of Lourdes Health Center in Savar. Which was your sincere desire. You believed that Queen Mother Maria of Lourdes would one day do wonders at the Queen of Lourdes Health Center. Maybe one day it will really happen with the strength of your faith and prayers.
We believe that in heaven you are rejoicing with the late members of the Nurses Guild, Reverend Father Benjamin Costa, CSC, Sister Theodora Chempalayil, Susoma Rozario, Didi, Father Attelio Boscato, Agnes Halder, Father Francis P. Marandi, Mitali Costa and all the others. Please pray for us that we may move forward and never fall back.
HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS 17 December 1936 – 21 April 2025
--------------2025 – Jubilee Year-------- “Pilgrims of Hope”
• 58th World Day of Peace (Vatican) – 1 Jan • Word of God Sunday (Vatican) 26 Jan - “I hope in your Word” (Psalm 119:74)
• 72nd World Leprosy Day – 26 Jan 2025 • 6th World NTD (Neglected Tropical Diseases) Day, 30 January 2025
• 33nd World Day of the Sick-11Feb2025 (Vatican)
• 18th World Rare Disease Day – 28 Feb 2025 • World Water Day – 22 Mar 2025 (UN est. 1993 Goal #6: water and sanitation for all by 2030). Vatican
DPIHD project: WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene) to all Catholic healthcare facilities. • CICIAMS Executive Board Meeting 3 & 4 Apr2025
• Jubilee of the Sick and Health Care Workers (Vatican)
5-6April2025 – Pope Francis addressed the faithful • World Health Day (est. by the 1st World Health
Assembly in 1948) – 7 April 2025 • Repose of the Soul of His Holiness Pope Francis, 21 April 2025, 7:35am
• International Day of the Midwife, 5 May 2025 • HABEMUS PAPAM!!! 8 May 2025
“Peace be with you all!” Pope Leo XIV • International Nurses Day – Monday, 12 May 2025
• 38th World No Tobacco Day (WHO) – 31May2025 • 2025 – DLFL Meeting with the Moderators of
Associations of the Faithful, Ecclesial Movements and New Communities, 4-5 June 2025 (Wed/Th) at Aula Nuova of the Synod, Vatican City
• World Refugee Day (UN) – 20 June 2025
• International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (UN est. 1989), 26 June 2025 • 5th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 27 July
2025 (4th Sunday of July, close to the feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus) “Blessed are those who have not lost hope.” (cf. Sir 14, 2). (Vatican) • World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. Theme: “Seeds of Peace and Hope” – 1 Sept 2025 (Vatican)
• International Day of Peace–21Sep2025 (UN est. 1981)
• 111st World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR),28Sep2025 (Vatican est. 1914) • World Mental Health Day, 10 Oct 2025 (WHO, 1992)
• 2nd Congress of the Pastoral Care of the Elderly sponsored by DLFL – 2-5 Oct 2025
• 40th World Youth Day (diocesan celebrations), “You also are my witnesses, because you have been with me” John 15:27 (Vatican), 23Nov2025>/br>
• 8th World Day of the Poor (Vatican est 2017), 16Nov25
• 2025 CINGO (Catholic Inspired NGOs), 25 & 26 Nov. Theme: Pilgrims of Hope: For the promotion of
human dignity, the Common Good and Peace
• 2026 – CICIAMS XXII World Congress, Thailand 9Nov2026-CICIAM Executive Board Meeting
o 10Nov2026 CICIAMS General Council Meeting o 11-13Nov2026 CICIXAMS XXII World Congress www.ciciams2026.com; info@ciciams2026.com
• 2026 – 41st World Youth Day (diocesan celebrations),“You also are my witnesses, because you have been with me” John 15:27 (Vatican), 22Nov2026 • 2027 – 42nd World Youth Day, Seoul, South Korea.Theme: “Take courage! I have overcome the world!”
Jn 16:33
• 2028 April – CICIAMS Europe Region meeting hosting Executive Board and General Council
Meetings, Krakow, Poland; 100th anniversary of the meeting in Basil, Switzerland to establish an International Nurses organization. 10th anniversary of beatification of Bl. Hanna Chrzanowska, RN
§ 1. CICIAMS Mission Statement: Informed by
the moral and social teachings of the Church, CICIAMS is
committed to the following:
• Giving Christian witness in our lives through guiding
and supporting Healthcare workers internationally
• Developing a positive vision of life from conception to
death
• Representing Christian and professional values in our
work with other national and international associations
• Coordinating the work of member association in their
efforts to evangelize the ethos and ideals of the nursing
profession
• Promoting the initiation of and participation in
professional research and development towards the
achievement of optimum care and wellbeing
• Respecting the religious convictions of others and
accepting their rights to practice their beliefs.
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