Nuns and other religious women played an important role in society as caregivers for the sick and dying. Seen as holy women, they were trusted to lay hands on patients. 

 

Religious women cared for the sick to imitate Christ, who performed healing miracles. Their work and institutions were sometimes funded by charitable donations. The women attended to the physical and medical needs of their patients, but also to their spiritual well-being. They ensured that the sick were fed, had clean living spaces, and stayed in good spirits through edifying conversation and prayers. They attended to dying patients by remaining by their side to pray with them as they transitioned from life on earth to life beyond. After the death of a patient, the sisters remained with the body, continually praying over it until it was finally laid to rest [Ritchey, 2021].

 

Image: Initial D: Nun Caring for a Leper in Bed. MS. Ludwig VII 3, fol. 43; c. 1275-1300. J. Paul Getty Museum, USA