Colombian doctor battling Covid 19, prays Rosary during his breaks

Colombian anesthesiologist Dr Néstor Ramírez Arrieta takes advantage of every opportunity to pray the Rosary when he has a chance in his workday. A friend of his who is an Evangelical Protestant pastor, Luis Alberto Gallego, took a photo of him at prayer (protective gear and all) and shared it on Facebook with a moving message:“This image of my great friend, the doctor anesthesiologist Nestor Ramírez, breaks my heart. He, like many doctors, endures endless shifts, and very intense emotional pressure that many of us would not be able to sustain. Even so, in short moments of rest, he takes out his rosary and dedicates himself to prayer.” The post has thousands of likes, comments, and shares. 

“I have no doubt: God hears our prayers. What [Jesus] liked most was to heal the sick, and I witness His presence daily. He acts through my hands. I ask Him to use my ministry of healing, more so now that we are going through such a difficult situation,” Dr. Ramirez told Aleteia. He is one of the many professionals fighting to save lives in Colombia. 

Doctors, nurses, and all health-care professionals are at high risk today, not only because of the danger of contagion, but also because of the shortcomings of the Colombian health system and the incomprehension of citizens who have stigmatized them, going so far as to threaten them with violence and even death. 

Aware of this situation, Dr Ramírez goes to work daily at the Mother Bernarda Clinic—run by a community of Franciscan Sisters—with the peace of mind that comes from being protected by the best weapons: prayer, the Eucharist, the Rosary, the Blood of Christ, and the sacraments.  

The life of Néstor Ramírez is divided in two halves: before and after coming to know Christ. His spiritual journey of 18 years allows him to evangelize while practicing medicine. It hasn’t been easy. At first, some people made fun of him and asked for his “blessing,” but little by little his co-workers realized that he’s a true man of faith. 

“After a family crisis and a worldly life, I had the opportunity to feel I was face to face with God on a day of loneliness. I began to attend prayer groups, I let myself be guided by spiritual advisors, I returned to the Eucharist, I began to study the life of the Virgin Mary, and I began to love the Rosary, a faithful companion in my professional life.”

Adapted from: Aleteia