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The Bishop of Llandaff praised the “passion, dedication and commitment” of staff, workers and supporters at a national service to mark the 75th anniversary of the NHS in Wales.They had kept the NHS founder, Aneurin Bevan’s vision alive and vibrant, despite being “hugely tested” by the challenges of the pandemic and economic difficulties.The multi-faith service took place at the Church of the Resurrection in Ely, Cardiff, today (July 4). It was hosted by the Minister for Health and Social Services, Eluned Morgan, and the Chief Executive of NHS Wales, Judith Paget. The service was led by the Vicar, Canon Jan Gould. Representatives from Wales’ health boards attended with NHS staff and supporters and prayers were led by leaders of other faiths and Christian denominations. Choristers from the Morriston Hospital Emergency Department Choir led the singing with musicians from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama also taking part. Hanan Issa, the National Poet of Wales, read her poem to mark the 75th anniversary of the NHS, the Unsung Read.In her address Bishop Mary Stallard said hope was at the heart of the health service.“Faith invites us to be people of hope; those who have a vision and inhabit a calling not to stay with the difficulties, but to be stirred by need, and to roll up our sleeves, to strive to make a difference, to do what we can and play our part, and most especially to care for the weak and the vulnerable…..“The DNA of our NHS is all about bringing hope in tough situations.”She paid tribute to the patience, kindness and gentleness of hospital staff who cared for her own father when he was dying of cancer during the pandemic.“In spite of being busy and going beyond what they had to do, they made space to help us. Transforming for us, stressful encounters into moments of grace,” she said.Bishop Mary also acknowledged the importance of the “community spirit” in healthcare.“Aneurin Bevan had glimpsed the incredible strength of the people of our communities, of the very best of community spirit and it was our neighbourly capacity for good that led him to trust that ‘It [the NHS] will last as long as there are folk left with the faith to fight for it.’” That was our task, she said.Such community spirit was very evident in Ely, where the service was held, she said. Thanking the vicar, Canon Jan Gould and the congregation for hosting the service, Bishop Mary said, “This is a church and a priest and people who mirror the excellence in care and the exceptional resilience that we celebrate this morning in our Health Service.”She added, “The trust in the possibility of change and hope is embodied here in this Church of The Resurrection. This is a place of life and hope for today and for the future.”Bishop Mary concluded by asking for God’s blessing on the “vital and hopeful” work of the NHS.“We give thanks for all that we have inherited in our health service. We express our gratitude to those who have made the vision real by caring with a love that’s enduring, hopeful and courageous. We pray for strength and on-going commitment as we endeavour to support and carry this vital work forward. We ask for God to bless us and the whole NHS in this vital and hopeful work.”You can read Bishop Mary’s full sermon here.The service was live-streamed. You can watch it here