Exploring the History of Medicine, Part 26: Florence, Part 6

December 1, 2022

 

Misericordia Charitable Emergency Clinic

In Christianity, there is a belief in practicing both "inner faith (love for God)" and "outward actions (love for one's neighbor)."

Regarding love for one's neighbor, it teaches us to practice "mercy" or "Misericordia" as a concrete action.

The "Seven Acts of Mercy" mentioned in the Bible are as follows:

1.      Give food to the hungry.

2.      Give water to the thirsty.

3.      Provide shelter to travelers.

4.      Clothe the naked.

5.      Visit and care for the sick.

6.      Visit prisoners.

7.      Bury the dead.

In medieval Europe, as Christianity spread, numerous "brotherhoods" emerged as volunteer organizations.

One of the oldest among them is the "Misericordia (Brotherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy)," founded in 13th-century Florence.

In the 14th century, Misericordia, alongside other brotherhoods like "Or San Michele" and "Bigallo," became an important charitable organization.

From the 14th century onward, during intermittent outbreaks of the plague, Misericordia devoted itself to acts of mercy.

Many believers who cared for the sick during these times fell victim to the plague themselves.

In the 16th century, at the behest of Francesco de' Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Misericordia was given a building facing the square in front of the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, a prime location in Florence.

During both World Wars, Misericordia transported wounded soldiers and provided emergency medical care.

Even in modern times, Misericordia continues its medical and service activities based on Christian values.

They not only help the sick and the poor but also provide comfort to prisoners before their execution and assist impoverished women with the marriage expenses.

In front of the headquarters facing the Cathedral Square, Misericordia's ambulances and staff are always on standby.

A sign reads, "Serving for Eternity."

I, too, displayed a sense of "mercy" and made a modest donation (10 euros, approximately 1,300 yen at the time).

Though not in Florence, I will serve for eternity in Tsujido, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa, Japan.

 

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お知らせ

8月13日(火)、14日(水)、15日(木)の3日間、夏期休診させて頂きます。

Message from the Directorを更新しました(Jul 1, 2024)。 

令和6年4月以降、発熱など風邪症状がある方も、電話連絡等は不要となりました。

令和6年3月14日(木)、21日(木)、28日(木)の各木曜日休診します。

4月以降も、毎週木曜日休診します。

3月7日(木)臨時休診します。

2月28日(水)から3月5日(火)まで臨時休診します。3月6日(水)から診療再開します。

令和6年4月より、毎週木曜日、休診します。

1月25日(木)は通常通り診療します。

2月1日(木)は急用のため、休診いたします。

急用のため、1月18日(木)休診いたします。

 

急用のため、1月11日(木)休診いたします。

 

令和5年12月29日より翌1月3日まで休診します。ただし、1月2日は藤沢市休日当番医のため、午前9時から午後5時まで、急病・外傷患者さんの診療を行います。