When Emanuel Godfrey, RT, first walked through the doors of St. Dominic Hospital in 2002, he was looking for a job. What he found was his calling.
“When I got here and during my interview, a Sister came on the intercom and said a prayer,” Emanuel recalls. “And I knew in my spirit that this was the place I needed to be.”
Mission in Action
Emanuel’s journey at St. Dominic’s began with a moment of faith, and his commitment to its healing ministry has only grown stronger over the years. For him, being a respiratory therapist here isn’t just about performing a job — it’s about living out a mission.
“When we say this is a healing ministry, this is something that we believe in,” he says. “Our heart is about the lives that we change.”
Every day, Emanuel and his team approach their work with both skill and heart.
“You can pay somebody to do something, but they have to give their heart,” he says. “And most of our team, they give their heart.”
St. Dominic’s Legacy of Care
After more than two decades, Emanuel has witnessed firsthand the lasting impact of St. Dominic’s healing ministry.
“Every time somebody comes to St. Dominic’s, they often say they return because of the commitment, the care and the concern they receive here,” he says.
One patient stands out to him — a woman who had knee replacement surgery.
“She often talks about how much care and concern not only the therapists, but the doctors and nurses gave her,” Emanuel says. “I still keep in contact with her, and she always remembers the experience she had at St. Dominic’s.”
Looking To the Future
Over the years, Emanuel has not only cared for countless patients, but he’s also witnessed St. Dominic’s continued evolution.
As part of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System since July 2019, St. Dominic Health has expanded its ability to serve Central Mississippi. Emanuel is excited about this growth and the improvements it brings.
“There seems to be more order, more things in conjunction with everything concerning healthcare,” he says. “It has strengthened the ministry 100-fold.”
For Emanuel, his work is an extension of his faith.
“I’m a minister at heart, and even at my church, I’m an elder,” he says. “This is an extension of the servant’s heart that I have, of God’s healing hands.”
A Symbol of Commitment
The Tau, a cross symbol now part of the St. Dominic Health logo, holds special meaning for Emanuel, who was honored in 2024 with the Franciscan Service Award – the highest recognition for a health system team member.
“The Tau stands for healing, love and caring,” he reflects. “For everything that has to do with health and healthcare.”
Through all the changes, one thing has remained the same: St. Dominic’s unwavering commitment to faith-driven healing.
After 22 years, Emanuel remains deeply committed to his work, his team and the patients he serves.
“If I can share one message, it would be this: We give what God has given to us so that we can give to you.”
For St. Dominic’s, the transformation to St. Dominic Health is more than a symbol. It’s our commitment. Learn more.
