Father Blazek, Regional Director for Canada and the United States of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (AoP), spoke to the Catholic Medical Association (CMA) members from the Mayo Clinic (Diocese of Rochester-Winona) Thursday April 19 on the topic of Prayer in the Vocation of the Catholic Health Professional. Bishop John Quinn graciously attended the event and shared his comments at the conclusion of Fr. Blazek’s presentation.

Dr. Jack Lane, President of the Winona Chapter of the CMA, remarked, “Fr. Blazek’s visit was an opportunity for all of us in the Guild…to reflect on the importance of prayer in our personal and professional lives. The witness of his vocation both as a Jesuit priest and medical doctor inspired us to re-commit ourselves to our own vocations as faithful Catholic health care professionals.” Dr. Lane is also Past President of the national organization of the CMA as well as the current US representative to the International Federation of Catholic Medical Associations (FIAMC).

The appearance was part of a three days of activities hosting Fr. Blazek with the community of Catholic physicians at the Mayo Clinic. When asked for the highpoint of the visit, Dr. Lane shared, “For me (it) was listening to 96 year old Sister Lauren Weindant, OSF of St. Mary’s Hospital regale Fr. Blazek with stories of famous patients she served as a hospital administrator to include the likes of Earnest Hemingway, Jimmy Stewart, Danny Kaye, and Johnny Cash.”

While visiting the area Fr. Blazek was also treated to tours of St. Mary’s Hospital, said Mass in the beautiful Chapel there, and made a visit the historic home of Dr. William Mayo, co-founder of the Mayo Clinic. A pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, WI completed the time in the region.