Director of Spiritual Care Appointed at The Brooklyn Hospital Center

The Brooklyn Hospital Center (TBHC) is delighted to announce the appointment of Father Francis Joojo Obu-Mends, a distinguished member of the Spiritan international religious missionary congregation, as the full-time Chaplain and Director of the Spiritual Care Department.

Father Francis, a board-certified healthcare chaplain accredited by the National Association of Catholic Chaplains since 2013, has been an integral part of TBHC for several years, previously serving in a part-time capacity. Originally hailing from Ghana, Father Francis brings a wealth of academic, pastoral, and spiritual care experiences from his extensive background in Africa, Europe, and the United States.

“TBHC warmly welcomes Father Francis to this new role. His affable, calm, and self-giving personality, coupled with his extensive experience, will undoubtedly enhance the hospital's commitment to providing holistic and compassionate care to patients, their families, and also staff,” says Gary G. Terrinoni, TBHC President & CEO.

Father Francis’ academic journey is marked by graduate degrees in philosophy, theology, anthropology, and sociology of health. Father Francis further enriched his skills through clinical pastoral education at Queens Hospital in Jamaica, Queens.

In addition to his responsibilities at TBHC, Father Francis has served numerous Catholic communities, including notable roles at Blessed Trinity Parish in Breezy Point, Queens, and Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn. His pastoral service extends globally, covering Catholic parishes in Ghana, Switzerland, and Germany.

Father Francis's previous experience as a healthcare chaplain includes tenures at the former Peninsula Hospital in Rockaway Queens, the former Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn, and Maimonides Medical Center, also in Brooklyn. His dedication to the field is exemplified by his role on the board-certification team of the National Association of Catholic Chaplains for many years.

While rooted in the Catholic faith, Father Francis is a trained interfaith chaplain. He emphasizes an ecumenical and team-player approach to spiritual care, showcasing his relational and linguistic skills. Fluent in English, French, Spanish, German, and conversant in several other languages, Father Francis embodies a diverse and inclusive approach to his profession.

For more information about Spiritual Care, please visit tbh.org/SpiritualCare.