NMRTC Cherry Point Celebrates Nurses, Blessing of the Hands

06 May 2026

From Thomas Cieslak - Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point

Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Cherry Point celebrated the dedication and spirit of nursing Wednesday May 6, 2026 with a “Blessing of the Hands” ceremony.

Led by Navy Chaplain Lt. Cmdr. Daniel Bruno and Father Ignatius Madamere, the ceremony served as an opening to National Nurses Week aboard the clinic, which runs from Wednesday, May 6 to Tuesday May 12.

Nurses are critical to the success of the clinic's mission of "Keeping the Warfighter in the Fight" and serve in departments across the clinic, providing patient care and subject matter expertise.

Father Ignatius Madamere blesses the hands of Cmdr. Stacey Swindells during the “Blessing of the Hands” ceremony at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Cherry Point.

Nurses from Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Cherry Point gather in the facility’s atrium for a “Blessing of the Hands” ceremony, May 6. Led by Navy Chaplain Lt. Cmdr. Daniel Bruno and Catholic Priest Father Ignatius Madamere, the ceremony marked the beginning of National Nurses Week, which is observed from May 6-12.

Tawanda Ford, a nurse with the Occupational Medicine department, speaks with Father Ignatius Madamere during the “Blessing of the Hands” ceremony at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Cherry Point.

Kim Baker, a member of the Healthcare Business team, receives a blessing from Father Ignatius Madamere during a ceremony recognizing National Nurses Week.

Allison Ellingsworth of the Marine Centered Medical Homeport team receives a blessing from Father Ignatius Madamere. The ceremony honored the spiritual and dedicated nature of the nursing profession.

Cmdr. Stacey Swindells, head of the Healthcare Business department, participates in a “Blessing of the Hands” ceremony held at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Cherry Point on May 6.

Father Ignatius Madamere blesses the hands of Cmdr. Stacey Swindells during a “Blessing of the Hands” ceremony conducted Wednesday, May 6, 2026 aboard Navy Medicine Readiness & Training Command Cherry Point. Swindells serves as head of the facility’s Healthcare Business team. Led by Navy Chaplain Lt. Cmdr. Daniel Bruno and Madamere, the ceremony served as an opening to National Nurses Week aboard the clinic, which runs from Wednesday, May 6 to Tuesday May 12.

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