The patients at the Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre must be protected from the Covid-19 virus, Fr Mario Attard told The Malta Independent on Sunday.

Fr Mario has worked as a hospital chaplain since 2004. He had started at St Luke’s Hospital, and was at Mater Dei Hospital until March 2020. Since then, he has worked as one of two chaplains at the Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre.

He is a member of the Franciscan Capuchin Order and has dedicated his life to helping those who are ill, offering them a shoulder to cry on, listening to their problems and helping to guide them spiritually through difficult periods. He describes himself as “the friend of tears,” sitting next to patients, listening to them and praying together. “We all need people to hear us, especially during difficult moments when we start questioning everything.”

“People would be surprised to learn just how much something as simple as listening to someone helps. It heals in different ways when compared to chemotherapy, an operation or any pill.”

He spoke about the challenges people undergoing treatment within the Oncology centre face, being unable to plan ahead. “You cannot have a to do list. It is easy for something to happen and ruin that plan, and if we tie our hearts to those plans, it can break us. What God taught me through my time working at the Oncology centre is that, even if there is suffering, life is a story, and in every story there are always elements of courage, of surprise and of hope.”

Covid-19 brought with it new realities. “Patients feel cut off from their families and really want to have that human contact.” While many patients can use technology like tablets to keep in contact, those who are not as tech savvy can struggle, he said, but added that being able to call family members over the phone helps.

“One must remember that certain restrictions are in place for everyone’s own good. God forbid Covid-19 spreads into the Oncology centre. There would be chaos, and so I understand why the authorities want to remain vigilant and careful, to ensure this does not happen. They are doing the right thing. At the same time as the chaplain, I ask myself, what can I do to help?”

"We must protect our patients at all costs. It is a very delicate situation and thank God, until now, there haven't been any major problems due to Covid-19.”

His mission, he said, is to speak to patients as much as possible. Everyone has their own story. Sometimes all that is needed is a friendly hello to help someone suffering from loneliness. Listening to people open up their heart is so important to helping them out.”

The Pope had spoken about the importance of being Good Samaritans, even during this pandemic, he said. “He is right. Simple gestures, a smile, saying hello, it all makes a difference.”

“People chat together after hearing mass, while respecting social distancing, coffee is served… it’s important to have such connections.”

He said that certain patients, despite the challenges they face, do their best to live their lives and make the best out of their situation. There are others for whom the weight of their troubles is too heavy, and these patients need support." Asked how he helps the latter, Fr Mario said: "By listening to them, letting them express their feelings openly and through prayer. This helps a lot."

Working at the oncology centre would take its toll on anyone, and it is no different for Fr Mario. “Self-care is so important. I enjoy praying, writing, reading and watching horse-races, though the latter isn’t possible at the moment,” he quipped. “I also enjoy walking, and even while here at the centre, each day I try and walk once around it.”

He said that the staff at the hospital support one another. “We all keep good relationships with each other, and this fills us with courage.”

"As a chaplain, I'm also human. I also get frustrated at times, sad at others and have moments of difficulty. Having such support helps… We solve so many problems by just grabbing a cup of coffee and talking to one another.”

"I remember something a supervisor of mine had told me while I was still studying, to use the experiences you pass through as a resource, be it a good or bad moment, as God teaches us through such experiences."