“Shawls … made for centuries universal and embracing, are symbolic of an inclusive, unconditionally loving, God.  They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace, mother, hug, shelter and beautify.  Those who have received these shawls have been uplifted and affirmed, as if given wings to fly above their troubles…” Janet Severi Bristow

Bishop Anderson House is blessed with a contingent of prayer shawl knitters from across the Chicago region who gather and create loving works of art meant to comfort those in distress. The shawl maker begins with prayers and blessings for the recipient, and shawls are often blessed during worship services.

Once the shawls arrive at BAH, our chaplains pack them in a tote and share with patients, families and staff at Stroger, Rush University and University of Illinois hospitals.  A shawl may envelop the arms of a grieving nurse who has cared for a baby for months in the neo-natal intensive care unit, only to see the infant die.  Or our chaplain may hand the shawl to a parent whose child is enduring chemo treatments for weeks on end.  Perhaps the shawl will find it’s way to the lap of an elderly patient, suffering from mania and depression.

We are especially grateful to prayer shawl donors from Prince of Peace, Addison; St. Michael’s, Barrington; St. James the Less, Northfield; Grace, Oak Park; and Church of the Holy Apostles, Wauconda, for their dedication to our ministry.

If you would like to join the ranks of prayer shawl knitters for BAH, please contact Ann at aryba@bishopandersonhouse.org.