Fort Hood, Texas –
Each October, Pastoral Care Week offers a moment of reflection — a time to recognize the spiritual side of healing that often goes unseen amid the daily pace of patient care.
At Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, that reflection came to life through Chaplain (Capt.) Steven Troupe, who spent the week walking from floor to floor, section to section, offering one of the most symbolic gestures in health care — the Blessing of the Hands.
With a small bottle of anointing oil in hand, Troupe moved through clinics, wards, and offices, pausing with soldiers, nurses, physicians, technicians, and staff. Each encounter was simple — a quiet prayer and the gentle touch of oil placed on open palms — yet deeply meaningful.
“The Blessing of the Hands ceremony acknowledges the sacredness of the healing ministry of health care professionals,” Troupe said. “It’s an opportunity to recognize and honor the work they do every day — their compassion, skill, and dedication to healing others.”
For Troupe, who has served 32 years in uniform, this work carries deep significance.
“Pastoral Care Week, also known as Spiritual Care Week, highlights the importance of spiritual care in health care,” he said. “It brings focused attention to the role chaplains play in enhancing outcomes, integrating holistic care, and supporting the resilience of our medical professionals.”
This year marked the 40th anniversary of the observance. At CRDAMC, the chaplain team used the week to connect with staff across the hospital and outlying clinics. Over the course of the week, Troupe personally performed the Blessing of the Hands for over 50 individuals, while fellow chaplains Lt. Col. Hernandez, Capt. Meyor, and Father Biju extended the ceremony to more than 100 additional health care professionals across the Fort Hood footprint.
The ceremony consists of two parts — a prayer and an anointing with oil. The prayer expresses gratitude for wisdom and compassion given to healers and asks for God’s continued presence in their work. The oil represents divine blessing and empowerment, symbolizing that each healer’s hands are set apart for a sacred purpose.
“It’s a privilege to facilitate that moment,” Troupe said. “It’s a moment in which the significance of the sacred and divine is acknowledged and invited to bear up the life-giving work here at CRDAMC.”
For many, the experience is deeply personal. Staff Sgt. Maurice Strong, a behavioral health technician and executive assistant noncommissioned officer in charge (NCOIC), participated for the first time this year.
“I was walking with my commander, and he wanted to stop by before heading to a meeting,” Strong said. “I decided to join in, and I’m glad I did.”
Strong, who has served for seven years in the Army, said the moment resonated with his own beliefs.
“I believe a family that prays together stays together,” he said. “Prayer strengthens relationships, and that’s something powerful to have in a work environment. It builds trust and cohesion.”
The impact of the ceremony isn’t always visible, but it’s often felt.
“Many participants comment that they feel the presence of God or that their spirit is uplifted,” Troupe said. “It’s difficult to know exactly how it impacts everyone, but the significance is realized in their desire to take part.”
As Chaplain Troupe made his rounds through CRDAMC’s halls, his steady presence reminded many that healing isn’t only about medicine or procedures — it’s about the heart, mind, and spirit working together. During Pastoral Care Week, he helped bring those three together for the people who work to save lives.