By Mary Farnan, Membership and Media Secretary, Association of Catholic Nurses England and Wales 

Fr Michael Stack, retired priest of the Archdiocese of Birmingham and National Chaplain to the Association of Catholic Nurses England and Wales, and members of the Association were amongst 20,000 pilgrims from over 90 countries who attended the Jubilee Weekend for the Sick and for Healthcare Workers in Rome April 5th - 6th. 

Amongst the Pilgrims, in addition to those who were sick and infirm, were large numbers of health professionals including doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants, physiotherapists and pharmacists amongst others. 

Members of the Association of Catholic Nurses also met with other members of CICIAMS International Committee of Catholic Nurses and Medico-Assistants and Fr Ken Sleyman CICIAMS International Ecclesiastical Adviser whilst visiting each of the four Holy Doors at each of the four Basilicas of Rome and at the Sunday morning Pilgrims' Mass. 

Fr Michael concelebrated at the Sunday morning Pilgrims' Mass in St Peter's Square where loud cheers welcomed the unexpected appearance of Pope Francis at the final blessing.

Fr Michael was a hospital chaplain for 25 years in the George Elliot in Nuneaton, New Cross in Wolverhampton, the Queen Elizabeth in Birmingham and the University Hospital in Coventry. He served at Christ the King in Coventry before retiring.