The newly graduated nurses from the Nursing School (Porto) of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP) took their professional oath at the Porto Cathedral during a thanksgiving mass presided by the Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Porto, D. Joaquim Dionísio.
In an annual tradition, the nursing graduates from the Nursing School (Porto) of the UCP expressed their gratitude for their journey and pledged under an oath (adapted from Florence Nightingale's original) to society and their peers. They committed to practicing with competence and responsibility, adhering to the humanistic and scientific values received during their education, and continuously respecting the principles guiding the nursing profession.
The Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Porto highlighted the moment's significance as a recognition of the support from several people and God's blessing, which helped the graduates persevere. Referring to Saint Benedict, the day's saint - patron of Europe and an inspiration through his discipline and example - he urged the graduates to work and pray, keeping their focus on God who is our reason for being. Referring to the day's readings, he encouraged those present to approach others with openness, to seek truth, to relate to others not only with knowledge but also with the wisdom of life and adapt to circumstances and to those one encounters. Reminding them of the Parable of the Good Samaritan, D. Joaquim Dionísio requested the future nurses never to tire of doing good, even if it goes unnoticed or unappreciated, and to ensure that the good done can never be a source of regret.
The Dean of the Nursing School (Porto) emphasized the importance of the graduates' commitment to the community, thanking each one and their families for their trust in the institution and reaffirming their readiness to support each "new nurse" in the future.
During this celebration, the hands of the future nurses were blessed, urging them to be instruments of healing, support, and comfort to all they encounter.
The ceremony took place on July 11th , 2024, and was attended by colleagues and their families, members of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa’s rectory, the administration of the Nursing School (Porto) and the Faculty of Health Sciences and Nursing, the administration of the Nursing School (Lisbon) of the UCP, faculty and staff, representatives of partner institutions, and the Ordem dos Enfermeiros.
