As part of the World Health Day celebrations, the Associate Professor of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Nursing at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Zaida Charepe, took part in a round table dedicated to the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”, as part of the Diocesan Jubilee of the Sick and the World of Health. The event took place on April 6, at the Sanctuary of Cristo Rei, and was promoted by the Diocese of Setúbal to mark the 50th anniversary of its foundation.

The initiative, which brought together health professionals, caregivers and church representatives, was attended by Cardinal Dom Américo Aguiar, Bishop of Setúbal. The motto of this year's celebration, “Healthy Beginnings, Hope-Filled Futures”, highlighted the importance of cultivating hope from the beginning of life in order to guarantee a healthier and more humanized future.

During her speech, Professor Zaida Charepe - also a researcher at the Center for Interdisciplinary Health Research (CIIS) - stressed the importance of the role of health professionals in promoting hope among patients. “Hope means action, and often we need to lend our hope to those who no longer have energy,” she said, in a message that echoed among the participants as a call for empathy and human commitment in health care.

The Diocesan Jubilee stood out as a moment of reflection, spirituality and recognition of the tireless work of caregivers and health professionals, reinforcing the importance of faith, compassion and hope in the healing process.

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