A local news website told the story of Fr. Emanuel Komives, who donated a family-inherited plot of land for the construction of the “Saint Christopher” Pediatric Palliative Care Center in Sânnicoară, Apahida commune, Cluj County.
Built in record time by the Archdiocese of Vad, Feleac, and Cluj, the center was inaugurated on Thursday, October 16.
“The one who initiated the idea of donating the land was my mother, Șoimița Mirela Komives. The idea was born out of gratitude for the impeccable medical and spiritual care that my father received in his final moments of life,” said Fr. Emanuel Komives.
His father had been hospitalized at the other palliative care center of the Archdiocese of Vad, Feleac, and Cluj, where he was treated with great love and professionalism.
“My meeting with the Center’s director, Fr. Bogdan Chiorean, was a great blessing during that difficult time. I didn’t know then that our encounter would grow into a lasting friendship, for which I am grateful to God,” Fr. Komives added.
A decision made by the entire family
The priest admits he did not initially believe the project would materialize so soon, but donated the land wholeheartedly.
“It’s true, since our daughter was born, the apartment we live in has become quite small,” he said. “But even if I could have built a house there someday, I am at peace knowing that the land has borne fruit as a place of comfort.”
He emphasized that the decision to donate was made naturally and unanimously by his family. Fr. Komives especially appreciates his wife’s attitude, which fully supported the decision.
Placing the center under the protection of Saint Christopher
The priest also explained the choice of the center’s patron saint:
“Hristofor means ‘bearer of Christ.’ The name came to my mind one day while driving through the commune of Apahida. I simply pictured Saint Christopher carrying a child across the water on his shoulders.”
Fr. Komives did not shy away from addressing the deeper, philosophical question behind creating such a center dedicated to children’s suffering.
“It is very difficult to explain the suffering of the innocent — their illness, their death… It’s one of the most sensitive topics, and I find it impossible to put that pain into words. But I would summarize it by saying that Christ is present at the very heart of suffering, not distant from it. He is there, beside the bed of the one who suffers, without seeking to justify anything.”
“In the face of great suffering, one must keep silence. Too many words only blur the mystery. In Nain, when Christ approached the funeral procession of the widow’s only son, He simply said to her: ‘Do not weep,’” the priest reflected.
Gratitude
Fr. Komives expressed his deep gratitude to all who supported the project — especially Metropolitan Andrei of Cluj, Maramureș, and Sălaj, whom he described as “a man of social projects,” Bishop Benedict Vesa, who served as President of the diocesan ‘Saint Nectarios’ Association, under which both palliative centers of the Archdiocese operate, and Fr. Bogdan Chiorean, initiator of the new center.
Services for patients
The new facility will offer medical, spiritual, psychological, and social care to children with progressive chronic illnesses, focusing on alleviating symptoms and restoring joy and a childhood free from pain.
“Pediatric palliative care not only treats the patient holistically — caring for physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs — but also includes the family, which is often affected in ways similar to the child’s illness,” explained Fr. Komives.
The center has 19 wards accommodating 35 children, with modern treatment rooms, consultation spaces, and recreational areas. It is expected to become a regional reference center for pediatric palliative medicine.
Charity concert and ways to help
On the same day as the inauguration, the Rotary Club Cluj-Napoca Hoia will host a charity concert in support of the center, titled “United Through Music – Donate a Day of Life.”
Donations can be made as follows:
By SMS
Send the text “JOY” to 8845 to donate €2 monthly.
By Bank Transfer
Association “Saint Nectarios” Cluj
RON: RO83BTRLRONCRT00C6603105
EUR: RO25BTRLEURCRT00C6603103
Photo: Cluj Metropolis / Ionuț Chifa
