Cherry Point Nurses Fortify Spiritual Resolve with Blessing of the Hands

07 May 2025

From Thomas Cieslak

Nurses of Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point whose dedication to help others matches the skills of their healing hands with a Blessing of the Hands Ceremony on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

Nurses serving aboard the clinic gathered in the facility’s atrium with Navy Chaplain Commander Philip Park to fortify their spiritual resolve with a reading of scripture, a moment of spiritual reflection and a prayer from the Chaplain.

The spiritual fitness event was part of the clinic’s National Nurses Week observance, honoring the compassion and professionalism of the nursing staff serving in the facility.

Navy Chaplain Commander Philip Park, second from left, reads a scripture passage during a Blessing of the Hands ceremony held at Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point on Wednesday, May 7. The spiritual fitness event honored the compassion and professionalism of the nursing staff serving in the facility while fortifying their spiritual resolve.

Commander Stacey Swindells, right, a Nurse serving aboard Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point, prays with Navy Chaplain Commander Philip Park during a Blessing of the Hands ceremony Wednesday, May 7. The spiritual fitness event honored the compassion and professionalism of the nursing staff serving in the facility while fortifying their spiritual resolve.

Commander Carlton W. Bennet III, right, a Nurse serving aboard Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point, prays with Navy Chaplain Commander Philip Park during a Blessing of the Hands ceremony Wednesday, May 7. The spiritual fitness event honored the compassion and professionalism of the nursing staff serving in the facility while fortifying their spiritual resolve.

Lieutenant Commander William Hookes, right, a Nurse serving aboard Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point, prays with Navy Chaplain Commander Philip Park during a Blessing of the Hands ceremony Wednesday, May 7. The spiritual fitness event honored the compassion and professionalism of the nursing staff serving in the facility while fortifying their spiritual resolve.

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