Spiritual Reflection

March 15, 2019

Nobody likes to be sick. We don’t feel well; we don’t sleep well; we don’t function well or make the best decisions. Others don’t want to be around us; rest and healing are generally cut short in order to keep up with our obligations; this prolongs our sickness and leads to relapses. Sometimes the medicine we have to take makes us feel even worse in the beginning. Healing comes in many forms—rest, proper nourishment, medicine, treatment by a medical professional.

Substance Use Disorder is a disease; a sickness. No one likes to be addicted. Addiction keeps us from functioning normally; discourages proper rest and self-care; adversely affects our judgement and decision-making abilities; makes people not want to be around us. Healing from addiction comes in many forms—rest, proper nourishment for our bodies and our minds, treatment by an addiction specialist, a reconnection with our own spirituality.

The Friars who live and work at the Inn are not just spiritual counselors, but rather a part of the healing process for the men at the Inn. We are models of compassion who remind the Brothers Christopher living in our house that they are “Men worthy of love and respect,”and that healing from their sickness will come as soon as they are ready for it, and surrender to a Higher Power. This is why February 11th, World Day of Prayer for the Sick, is so close to my heart. On this day, in many places, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the sick was given to those with serious illnesses. This year on this special day, in the St. Christopher’s Inn Chapel, I, along with some of my fellow Friar Priests, offered this anointing to any Brothers Christopher and staff who wanted to receive this special blessing.

What a blessing to be part of the healing team at St. Christopher’s Inn, working to alleviate pain and suffering for the Brothers Christopher in our care.

Fr. Dennis Polanco, SA
President & Spiritual Director

The nurses are the best part of my day.

The admission process was as fast and painless as it could be.

The medical staff is excellent, they treated me with love and care.

Overall the program and facility at St. Christopher’s Inn is the best, bar none.

Family program is PERFECT please don’t change a thing.

I took part in the GED program and was quite satisfied. I haven’t taken the test yet, but I have very high hopes of passing.

Gained immense knowledge from lectures and treatment plan.

It is very spiritual and I needed the experience.

The care and concern by my counselor and supporting staff shows the love that I didn’t know existed.

Staff is unbelievable, saved my life.

The goals I have reached and the new ones I’ve developed while being here are something of a life changer for me in my future.

I was pleasantly surprised by the existence of the Coffee House. Music is a central and meditative part of my life. The ability to perform for my new brothers here and the staff was unexpected and made this an incredible journey.

I would have nothing if it wasn’t for SCI.

Great people, caring and responsive.

I would like to tell you how thankful I am to you for having this family program available. I want to say thank you for giving me exactly what I needed.

The experience of being here and becoming a member of the Brothers Christopher fraternity has changed my life. Being in the Friars house was a blessing. Their generosity gave me knowledge I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Thank you for the privilege I was given to stay here in your house. God bless you all. I will always keep a piece of St. Christopher’s Inn in my heart.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the hot meals, warm bed and unconditional love you so easily gave to me. I know if it were not for you, I would truly still be a lost soul.

The road to recovery is called Franciscan Way, and the door to happiness lies within the walls of St. Christopher’s Inn.

I never thought someone could care for a drug addict like me. You have shown me that I am worth something. May God bless you a million times.

Thank you for welcoming me in to your home, and granting me a scholarship for treatment. There’s not enough “thank-yous” I could say, so I’m going to show you by staying clean and living a peaceful sober life.

I want to thank you for everything—from my stay here to working in the Thrift Shop. I am so grateful for St. Christopher’s Inn and every staff member that represents this fantastic organization.

I was amazed by the unbelievable generosity of everyone at our Christmas party. A nice scarf and a collared shirt—I have been through hundreds in my life but I have never cared for any of them as I do for these. Thank you for giving me the best Christmas in many, many years.

I love this place. They have given me a place to sleep, food in my stomach, clothes on my back, and a chance at a first-class life. Recovery is here . . . all you have to do is want it!

Today, I am a sober man. I live an honest and simple life. I’m a reliable, employable productive member of society. I have dignity and self-worth and even self-love. All of these things are a direct result of the care and guidance given to me by the Friars and the staff at St. Christopher’s Inn. Some people call it a homeless shelter. I call it home.