April 9, 2025

Portugal’s Ministry of Health honors the Institute of the Sisters Hospitallers Portugal

As part of the World Health Day celebrations, the Sisters Hospitallers Institute has been awarded the Gold Grade Distinguished Service Medal, presented by the Portugal Ministry of Health. The ceremony took place at the INFARMED Auditorium and was attended by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, Minister of Health Ana Paula Martins, Director General of Health Rita Sá Machado, and representatives from several leading institutions in the healthcare sector.

This decoration—the highest honor awarded by the Ministry of Health—serves as a public and national recognition of the work we have been carrying out for over 130 years, in service of people, especially the most vulnerable, promoting health with science, with humanity, and with heart.

This medal is a symbol. It represents the dedication of our teams, the trust of those we care for, and the fidelity to a mission that is renewed each day: to provide integral care, by listening, welcoming, and respecting the uniqueness of every life.

We receive it with gratitude and humility, knowing that the true merit lies in every daily act of care, in every life touched by hospitality.

To all those who are part of this mission: this distinction is yours. We celebrate with you. We move forward, together.

Click here to relive the World Health Day Commemorative Ceremony.

More News

October 22, 2025

A Perspective on Mental Health Care from Spain

During Mental Health Month, Dr. Meritxell Centeno, Director of Strategic Care Development at Fundació Hospitalàries Sant Boi, shares how hospitality is a true path of hope. With a person-centered approach, the foundation supports each recovery process through attentive listening, respect, and closeness—promoting comprehensive mental health care that acknowledges the dignity of every human being.

October 20, 2025

25 Years on the Path of Mental Health: A Pilgrim’s Perspective in the Jubilee Year 2025

Rute Rodrigues Asseiceiro, occupational therapist at Casa de Saúde da Idanha, celebrates 25 years of service in the field of mental health. In this Jubilee Year, she shares her experience as a true pilgrimage of hope, marked by listening, welcome, and care. Throughout her professional journey, she has accompanied human suffering to help each person rediscover their dignity and their capacity to be a sign of hope in the world.

October 16, 2025

In Communion and Service: Closing of the Charismatic-Spiritual Encounter

During these days of congregational encounter, the Sisters Hospitallers have experienced an inner pilgrimage guided by the Spirit, rediscovering the beauty of consecrated life and the gift of Hospitality. Inspired by their origins and the witness of Saint Teresa of Ávila, they renew their commitment to be builders of peace and fraternity through hospitaller service.