Utah faith leaders bless the hands that heal
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Healing hands got a helping hand Monday as faith figures from across Utah's religious landscape blessed those who draw the blood, insert the IVs and otherwise care for patients at the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
A Catholic priest, Mormon chaplain, Buddhist monk, Jewish rabbi, Protestant minister and New Thought minister did the honors, blessing nurses, volunteers and other caregivers at the east-bench Salt Lake City hospital.
The "Blessing of the Hands" ceremony also included a Native American shaman, Lacee Harris, who performed a "smudging" ceremony, burning sweet grass and sage.
The event marked the start of National Nurses Week.