Philadelphia (KYW Newsradio) — A new interfaith prayer and meditation space has opened at Temple University Hospital.
It is a place for staff and visitors alike to heal, pray, and reflect when dealing with difficult situations.
“We recognize that much of what we do is physical healing, but there is so much more to a patient’s healing in terms of their spiritual care and emotional well-being. ” said Dr. Daniel Del Portal, Senior Vice President. Chief Clinical Officer, Temple University School of Health;
The project began several years ago when a call was made to renovate patient and family spaces.
According to Del Portal, once you’re inside, you don’t feel like you’re in a hospital anymore.
“It’s a beautiful space. It has stained glass and lots of light. It’s centrally located just off the main lobby space, but once you walk in it’s a quiet space.”
This space has Bibles, Qurans, prayer books, rosaries, devotional materials, and Shabbat candles in the nearby Patient Experience Office.
Del Portal said the space symbolizes Temple Health’s commitment to holistic healing and the importance of meeting the spiritual needs of patients, families and staff.
“I think this is a great example of Temple responding to the needs of the community and, honestly, the staff who will be using this space on a regular basis.”
Del Portal said he hopes this will help people find peace and healing.
The interfaith prayer and meditation space is located on the first floor of the hospital and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
