Siloé: Christian Life Movement Volunteering at the Children’s Hospital in Bogotá

“At the Saint Joseph University Children’s Hospital, a group of young volunteers from the Christian Life Movement, coordinated by María José Garcés, is dedicated to bringing comfort and hope to the sick. Mary Joseph a Psychology student and member of the Christian Life Movement since 2018, shares how Siloé’s service has transformed her life: ‘Siloé has shown me the face of Christ through so many people who, despite their difficulties, trust in Him to move forward.’ In this article, we will learn about a volunteer service that touches the hearts of those who give and receive.

What is each visit to Siloé in Bogotá like?

María José tells us that before each visit, the team of volunteers meets in the Hospital cafeteria. This initial meeting is essential, as the team receives basic instructions on the dynamics that will be followed in the rooms.

A brief explanation is provided on how to approach patients, ensuring that all volunteers understand and respect the biosecurity measures necessary to protect both their health and that of the patients. In addition, the activities proposed for each room are detailed and the necessary materials are distributed.

After answering any questions and praying together, the volunteers, organized in pairs, go to the rooms to spend about two hours with the patients. At the end, the group meets again in the cafeteria to share experiences, reflect on what they have experienced and conclude with a prayer, thus creating an environment of support and mutual learning.

Luisa Fernanda: “Siloé is the opportunity to donate”

We take a moment to learn about the experience of one of the volunteers who has been participating in Siloé since 2023. “Each visit is a unique experience,” Luisa Fernanda Suárez tells us. “Each room touches the heart in different ways, but I always feel that I can change the reality of sick children and grandparents and their families for a few minutes; by bringing some of God’s love and mercy, I manage to lighten their load a little.”

“At every visit I learn that life is very fragile but God’s love is infinite,” Luisa reflects. “Visiting the sick and their families is one of the most humble ways of loving others. The love we receive from the children and families we visit is the most rewarding reward we can take away.”

In inviting others to join as volunteers at Siloé, Luisa highlights the spiritual call to service.“God invites us to care for those who need it most, the poor, the sick, the smallest of his children,” she emphasizes. “Siloé is the opportunity to give of ourselves, to bring a message of love, hope, faith, and salvation to the sick at Saint Joseph Children’s Hospital.”

God present in the hospital corridors

We resume the journey with Mary Joseph and she shares with us a beautiful experience that has marked her service in Siloé: “For so many years in Siloé I have lived many moving experiences, but what has amazed me the most is being able to see how God puts each person in the room where they should be.”

“I have witnessed numerous occasions where a volunteer enters a room in a very special and particular way, bringing with them unique personal experiences that deeply impact the family visited. It is incredible to observe how the gifts and talents of volunteers emerge in a meaningful way in the most needy situations.”

Gratitude in the midst of pain

Very close to the end of this journey, Mary Joseph shares this reflection with us: “Facing people who are going through so much pain and suffering is not easy. It requires that we ask the Holy Spirit for the gift of wisdom and advice, and that we leave our comfort zone.”

“Frankly it is a difficult experience and one that can be uncomfortable, but nothing is more gratifying than the grateful look of a family that manages to see the face of Christ or a sign of hope through us, doing this work as His instruments,” he explains.

Finally, María José expresses the experience of the volunteers from Siloé: “I firmly believe that one goes to the hospital looking to provide a service or make an impact, but definitely, these families and their testimonies end up doing much more for us than we do for them. It is a unique experience, which fills the heart and is well worth living. Each visit is different, each room has people with great experiences and lessons to share.”

Do you want to participate in Siloé Bogotá?

If you are interested in joining Siloé, follow them on Instagram, where they post the monthly call for applications. There they share a registration link and the first 20 people to sign up will be able to join us at the hospital that month.