My name is Maria Teresa Diaz Muñoz, and I have been a nurse for 28 years with the good fortune to have joined the San Rafael University Hospital 27 years ago. I was taken in and accepted very lovingly by the Community of the Brothers of St John of God with whom I shared the ideal to serve and live in terms of the Sick. Each person has their own perception of what the charism is all about, and reflect this in his or her thinking, attitudes and actions.

For me, the charism of Saint John of God has given me strength and the conviction that what is most gratifying in life is to serve without expecting anything in return, but to serve with the heart, with the mind, and with one’s feelings.

My doctrine has not been learnt or taught. It has been lived through the love and support that I have received in this community in difficult times in my life, which today I believe I have been able to overcome thanks to so much generosity. Generosity in love, in fellowship, in detachment, and to live it I have committed myself the whole of my life to returning it at the service of the Sick. A service which makes me very happy.

I thank this beloved institution. I feel blessed by our Lord, accompanied by San Raphael, inspired by Saint John of God, and strengthened by so many people without equal, whom I have met on this path. I have learnt from everyone, the example, detachment, dedication, compassion and the essence of what it means to be human.

Beginning here, growing here, and arriving here today have strengthened me as a person, and made me a happy Nurse, consecrated to her profession.