"If we are bearers of gratitude, the world itself will become better, even if only a little bit, but that is enough to transmit a bit of hope. The world needs hope. And with gratitude, with this attitude of thanksgiving, we transmit a bit of hope." - Pope Francis ¹

Dear Colleagues,

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, I am deeply grateful for your dedication to advancing Jesus' mission of love and healing through your service to the Catholic health ministry. Your work, along with that of more than 700,000 individuals who serve in Catholic hospitals and long-term care facilities, is an enduring sign of health care rooted in a shared commitment to human dignity, the common good and whole-person care.

As Pope Francis suggests, may we be bearers of gratitude in this season, so that our shared sparks of hope may unite us for change. By standing together, we can reimagine a health care system in which everyone has access to care, and care is viewed not as a commodity but as a fundamental human right integral to a just society and a strong, healthy national community.

On behalf of your colleagues at CHA, I wish you and your loved ones a Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, and meaningful moments of connection. May gratitude pave the way for a hope that transforms the world.

Sincerely,

Sr. Mary Haddad
President & CEO
Catholic Health Association of the United States