St. Isabel

Outside the IMCU is a little shrine of sorts to St. Isabel. A life-sized figure, carved out of stone, she stands on a pedestal, wearing a nun’s habit. Her arms are outstretched, her eyes compassionate.

Since this is India, where religions often merge, especially in times of desperation, people of all faiths light candles to St. Isabel, praying for their loved ones in the IMCU and the ICU.

Truth be told, the Hindus treat St. Isabel, a catholic saint, much like they would a Hindu God.

Every day they place an offering, often a saree or a garland, sometimes both, in front of her. A hospital worker then drapes the offerings on St. Isabel. Candles are lit. Prayers are said. Hopefully loved ones are cured by her Grace.

So far, I have seen St. Isabel wear as many as four new sarees in a single day. It seems she has such an extensive wardrobe; she needs a change of clothing every few hours.

Don’t ask me what happens to the old sarees. I do not know. But I’m guessing (and hoping) they are donated to the needy at the month’s end.

My mother’s cook bought two candles the other day and gave it to her. “Please light these in front of St. Isabel,” she said to my mother. “Your husband will get cured.”

And so we lit a candle each this evening to St. Isabel. We prayed silently and asked her to heal my father.