.jpg) |
| by Suzie Johnson |
Many people identify Florence Nightingale as the first nurse in history.
By doing so they are short-sighting many amazing women throughout time.
Florence had a phenomenal impact on the history of nursing. But long before nursing
was a recognized profession, there were other dedicated women giving of themselves to
help the sick.
One of the western world’s earliest recorded nurses was born in ancient Rome
in the fourth century. Being born of noble birth in the house of Fabia did not
protect Fabiola from marriage to a violent and abusive man. He was so violent
she was able to obtain a divorce with the permission of the Church. What she
was not allowed to do, however, was remarry before her former husband died. To
do so would be to commit adultery.
But Fabiola did exactly that, and her marriage caused such a scandal
within the Church, she was no longer allowed to receive communion. Only after
her husband died and Fabiola, dressed in sackcloth, publicly confessed her sin
was she forgiven by the Pope and allowed back into the Church.
Like other Roman women of noble birth, Fabiola fell under the influence
of Saint Jerome. Jerome was dedicated to asceticism and charitable works.
Fabiola sold all of her worldly goods and devoted herself to the same. She then
became the first person documented in history to found a hospital in the western
world.
“Share
with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” ~~ Romans 12:13
Just as Jesus commanded, Fabiola who once had servants began to serve –
in perhaps the greatest sense of the word. For Fabiola did more than provide
sips of water and cool cloths for those with fever. She did more than bandage
cuts. Fabiola went out and gathered those who were suffering. She ushered them in
off the streets so she could care for them until they were healthy.
Like Fabiola, many of the wealthy followed Jesus’ command to share with
those in need. But most were unable to stomach the horrors they encountered, and
instead gave monetarily.
Saint Jerome wrote this about Fabiola: “Often did she carry on her own shoulders persons infected with
jaundice or with filth. Often too did she wash away the matter discharged from
wounds which others, even though men, could not bear to look at.”
By doing so, she set an example for future nurses to follow – to care
for those who were injured or ill, no matter how the patient looked or smelled.
Though there were no established hospitals, physicians would hold
clinic in the temples where they would receive the ill and offer treatment.
There were provisions for sick and wounded soldiers to receive care at the
homes of wealthy Romans. And yet, before Fabiola gave up all she owned to serve
others, there seem to be no documented records of established hospitals in the
west.
There were, however, a few hospitals in other parts of the world. There
is evidence that a hospital existed in second century India, and there were
fifteen or more hospitals established in the eastern part of the world.
Aside from the hospital she helped to found in Rome, Fabiola also used
her country home as a convalescent home. She later traveled to Bethlehem to
study the scriptures and practice asceticism (physical training).
When the Huns invaded, she returned to Rome and helped to establish
what is said to be the very first hospice for travelers. Until she died in 399,
she continued to serve the ill and wounded. Saint Jerome wrote that thousands
attended her funeral to honor this selfless and devoted advocate for the least
fortunate in society.
After she died Saint Jerome wrote in great detail about Fabiola, laying
the groundwork for her impending sainthood. He reminded the people that “Fabiola
was not ashamed of the Lord on earth, therefore the Lord will not be ashamed of
her in heaven.”
There is some speculation that Phoebe, mentioned in Romans 16:1, may have been the first "visiting nurse" in history. Though there were likely others who were not documented in history, Saint Fabiola was one of the earliest nurses in recorded history and set a wonderful example of what it means to serve others as Christ commanded.
Suzie
Johnson’s debut novel, No
Substitute, a contemporary inspirational novel, will be released November
30, 2012 by White Rose Press. She is a member of ACFW, RWA, and is the cancer registrar at
her local hospital. The mother of a wonderful young man, who makes her proud
every day, Suzie lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and naughty
little cat. You can visit her at the
following places:
Thank you Suzie. I've never heard of Fabiola before.
ReplyDeleteWhat strikes me is that Fabiola was strong willed and bold. She didn't sit back and complain but had the strength to do something unpopular. The same strength of will that she exhibited in divorcing, remarrying, and publicly confessing is a hint of how she could embrace the service she gave later.
We aren't all called to be that way and certainly God equips us through our weaknesses as well as our talents and strengths. But I'm thankful for the people of iron wills who are not afraid to act. I respect those who stand up for causes, even if I don't agree.
great post, Suzie!
What an inspiring story, Suzie. I didn't know much about Fabiola. She truly lived out her faith in word and deed! I love stories of saints; they are so encouraging. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHi Deb, Hi Susie!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry I'm so late. I think it's wonderful that a divorced woman was actually granted sainthood! I tried to find out if there were others, but haven't found any yet. That doesn't mean there aren't - just that I haven't found them yet. I liked that Saint Jerome defended her and reminded the people of God's love and forgiveness. I read a lot of what he wrote about Fabiola, and he made a very passionate case for forgiveness and how God views us. Pretty amazing. :-)