Body, Mind and Spirit By S. Kathryn Ann Connelly
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aving ministered in the field of education for 21 years, S. Mary Fran Davisson went on sabbatical to the School of Applied Theology in Berkeley, California, in 1994. During this time, she attended a workshop on massage therapy, offered by the Jesuit School of Theology, and the seed was planted. After much prayer and discernment, and with encouragement from the Congregation, S. Mary Fran took part in an internship program where she learned more about massage therapy and the spirituality of massage therapy; she felt truly called to become involved. After a year of intense study at the New Mexico Academy of Healing Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, she became nationally certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork in 1996 and became an Ohio licensed massage therapist in 1997. To maintain licensure, 24 Continuing Education Hours are required every two years. S. Mary Fran currently ministers through the Sisters of Charity Spirituality Center at the Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse. She graciously responded to an interview about this unique ministry. When asked what massage is and what its benefits are, S. Mary Fran replied, “Every experience we have in life, whether positive, negative, or somewhere in between, is carried within our body.” 20
S. Mary Fran Davisson (left), an Ohio licensed massage therapist, currently ministers through the Sisters of Charity Spirituality Center at the Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse.
The Ohio Medical Board defines massage therapy as: “the treatment of disorders of the human body by the manipulation of soft tissue through the systematic external application of massage techniques including: touch, stroking, friction, vibration, percussion, kneading, stretching, compression, and joint movements within the normal physiologic range of motion; and the supplemental use of the external application of water, heat, cold, topical preparations, and mechanical devices. Modalities that involve the manipulation of the soft tissue for a therapeutic purpose constitute massage therapy even if commonly known by another name …” In the early fifth century B.C., Hippocrates, referred to as the Father of Medicine, believed that all physicians should be trained in massage as a method of healing. The Bible recounts many instances where touch was used to cure and allow inner healing to occur. Massage is considered by some to be a luxury, but, research has proven that healthy and safe touch is a vital component of our health and well-being. It positively affects body, mind, and spirit. These benefits include but are not limited to: reducing stress; enhancing the immune system; increasing circulation; improving I n te r com
