In his book "Christian Nurse and Her Mission in the Sick Room," François-Xavier Gautrelet offers a thoughtful exploration of the vital role that nurses play in the spiritual care of the sick. Drawing on his own experiences as a nurse and religious educator, Gautrelet provides valuable insights into the ways in which nurses can provide comfort, support, and healing to patients in need.

One of the strengths of this book is Gautrelet's emphasis on the importance of integrating spiritual care into the nursing profession. He highlights the unique opportunity that nurses have to minister to the whole person - body, mind, and spirit - and offers practical guidance for incorporating prayer, scripture, and religious rituals into patient care.

Gautrelet also addresses the challenges that nurses may face in providing spiritual care, such as navigating cultural differences and respecting patients' diverse beliefs. He emphasizes the importance of approaching each patient with compassion, empathy, and sensitivity, and offers strategies for addressing the spiritual needs of patients from a variety of backgrounds.

Overall, "Christian Nurse and Her Mission in the Sick Room" is a valuable resource for nurses seeking to deepen their understanding of the spiritual dimension of patient care. Gautrelet's wisdom and insights are sure to inspire and empower nurses to provide holistic, compassionate care to those in need.

Book Description:
François-Xavier Gautrelet was a French Jesuit priest whose legacy survives as being the inspiration and originator of the Apostleship of Prayer in 1844. In this volume he gives an extensive spritual and practical guide to nurses and others who minister to the sick and dying. The translator, John Mason Neale, was a British Anglican who served as warden ot Sackville College, an almshouse at East Grinstead for many years. In 1854 he co-founded the Society of Saint Margaret, an order of women in the Church of England dedicated to nursing the sick. He is best known to the world, however, as the author and translator of many hymns including “O come, O come, Emmanuel.” - Summary by Larry Wilson