They Call Her Angel of Mercy

Dr. Shanti James, a Sister of Charity of Nazareth, treats patients at Nazareth Hospital in Mokama, India.

Among those on the front lines treating patients are health professionals at Nazareth Hospital in Mokama, India. Sisters, staff, and volunteers provide compassionate care around the clock.

In May, Nazareth Hospital treated 2,100 patients, all with only a handful of helpers, and just one doctor that could see COVID-19 patients, Dr. Shanti James, SCN. India does have specially designated COVID-19 treatment facilities from whom patients are asked to seek treatment. Nazareth Hospital, however, serves a population on the margins, with little to no money or transportation to get to these hospitals. Dr. Shanti says it isn’t right to turn patients away who suspect they have the virus, and so they come, often asking for her.

“Doctor, will I make it, will I live or die?” That is the question Dr. Shanti often hears. She describes seeing fear and pain in patients’ eyes, and reaching for the right words to say. “I tell them, don’t worry, you will get well, but you have to keep a positive mind...and above all, there is someone called God, who will surely take care of you and heal you.”

Her faith is getting her through this difficult time, a faith she shares with others as providing medical care in Mokama is extraordinarily challenging, even during ordinary times. The pandemic is ravaging this area, a rural area where large populations live below the poverty line. Mokama is located in the Patna district.

Dr. Shanti does not complain of being exhausted, yet the physical signs of long days and little sleep are apparent. One can see the dark circles under her eyes and hear the concern in her voice. “This time every house has had an experience (with COVID-19), either a neighbor has died, a friend, or a close one...So we all really have experienced the pain of losing loved ones to the coronavirus during the second wave.”

Calls have gone out for other doctors and nurses to come to Mokama, not just during the pandemic but in recent years as well. All know the reality that at this time those in health care are stretched thin all across India. Moved by the compassion and commitment of those at the hospital, Sisters are volunteering and traveling to

Dr. Shanti James, and other SCNs, volunteers, and members of the hospital staff stepped up to care for patients during the second COVID-19 surge in India.

Mokama from across India to help out in any way they can. Sisters are preparing meals, scrubbing floors, holding the hands of patients, or helping others say goodbye to loved ones. Despite the intense pace, Dr. Shanti says those at the hospital are experiencing an outpouring of love. “There is prayer going on from every quarter, every person in our province has held each other in prayer, and supported us,” reflects Dr. Shanti. “We really feel the protection and the care of God. And each day as I pray Psalm 91, I really feel like I am sending the waves of protection of God to each and every employee, to each and every patient of our hospital, and the world. We can really see God is with us all, at this time of crisis and care. This also gives us a feeling that there is somebody beyond us, holding us, protecting us, and caring for us.”

Nazareth Hospital in Mokama, India, saw a large influx of patients during the second surge of the pandemic. Here Dr. Shanti James is seen treating a toddler. When they call on me, I will answer;

I will be with them in trouble.

I will rescue and honor them. -Psalm 91

Though Dr. Shanti is uncomfortable with praise, Provincial Philomena Kottoor, SCN, shares that many in Mokama seek her out, as she is seen as a healer. Many refer to her as Dr. Shanti Devi. Devi is the Sanskrit word for goddess. She is often called Goddess of Mokama. “As I have known her, Shanti is a person who lives out the values of Jesus,” says Sister Philomena. “She is caring, loving and compassionate, committed, hardworking, very gentle and pleasant with patients even when she is very tired and worn out.”

Sister Philomena and others have pled with her to take breaks. “For a few years, we have been trying to send her for professional as well as spiritual renewal programs. Since we have no other doctors to replace her, she stays put. Her life is a symbol of sacrifices in many ways. Patients are everything for her.”

Dr. Shanti received her training at St. John’s Medical College in Bangalore. A Sister of Charity of Nazareth for nearly 35 years, she celebrated her Silver Jubilee with SCNs Rena Fernandes and Jackulin Jesu in 2012. Sister Jackulin has many fond memories. “Shanti and I began our missionary voyage together on July 25, 1981, which coincided with her birthday,” recalls Sister Jackulin. “It has been a sheer joy and privilege to have journeyed with Shanti for more than 40 years. She has been a wonderful companion to both Rena and myself, a faithful friend, and trusted confidant. She is deeply spiritual, attune to her inner promptings, and listens to others intensely. She brings healing to her patients with calm demeanor, confidence, compassion, and competency. Shanti inspires me with her commitment and lifegiving love.”

In May, Josephine Kisku, SCN, paid tribute to this humble healer, describing Dr. Shanti as an angel of mercy. Among her touching poem

Dr. Shanti James experienced long lines of patients coming to Nazareth Hospital in Mokama, India, each day to be seen specifically by her. Many refer to her as a gifted doctor.

Days were long for her, and many of those caring for patients during the second wave of the pandemic.

passages is the following, “There is a load of patience in your voice, there is light of life in your treatment. Angel of mercy incarnate in you! All the sick and suffering find comfort, consolation and encouragement. Every fiber of your being emanates healing love that cares and cures!”

“I’ve always admired her for her gentle, caring approach as a doctor to the patients, as SCN to us all,” says Roshini Pereira, SCN. “Her very presence radiates warmth and joy … no wonder patients refer to her as the Goddess of Mokama.” Adds Anupa Moozha, SCN, “I always admire her commitment and her extraordinary compassion. I have heard her discussing her hope and desire for better days yet to dawn on Nazareth Hospital … Indeed Shanti is a beacon.”

“Shanti is a person who puts her whole heart in whatever she does, be it treating a patient or preparing a prayer. She gives her first priority to the sick and the needy,” says Tessy Varghese Maliakkal, SCN. Reena Theruvankunnel, SCN, echoes Sister Tessy, “True to her name, Sister Shanti radiates an aura of calmness as she moves around meeting patients who come to Nazareth Hospital in Mokama … Many people flock to her daily. As a true daughter of Mother Catherine, she is ready to reach out to all, especially to the suffering, without counting the cost.”

Dr. Shanti instead credits those she admires. “I feel very proud of our six pioneers who came from Kentucky to start this hospital. They, along with other SCNs who have worked at Nazareth Hospital, the nurses, the staff, the employees, together, have given such good compassionate health care for the people of Mokama and around this area. People still feel happy about the services they have received... so that is a very heartwarming feeling, a very proud feeling, to be an SCN, to be able to work at Nazareth Hospital at this time.”

Since last March a steady flow of residents has been coming to Nazareth Hospital in Mokama, India, seeking treatment. With the second surge, and now the third surge, there have often been long lines forming at the front desk as patients sign up for care, many ask specifically for Dr. Shanti James.