Thomas S. Monson on Visiting the Sick

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Thomas S. Monson was called to be the bishop of his ward in Salt Lake when he was only 22 years old. This young bishop worked his heart out for his ward, and gave all he could. There were over 1,000 members of the ward and 85 were widows, he had a great responsibility to take care of this ward.

President Monson would begin bishopric meetings and ward councils with a scripture to center everyones thinking on their duties. One of his favorite scriptures was Doctrine and Covenants 64:33-34, "Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind."

President Monson said "I always considered myself as a bishop who erred on the side of generosity; and if I had it to do again, I would be even more generous."

Thomas S. Monson believed that "those receiving welfare assistance should work to the extent of their abilities for that which is received. There are many creative ways leaders can provide work opportunities" He also said "A Church dole(unemployment benefits or financial relief) would be worse than a government dole, because it would fail in the face of greater light. Church practices portray more honorable aims, more glorious potential."

Welfare for Thomas S. Monson was about building from within, and using the needs of others to strengthen those called upon to assist. "Welfare to him is not a program. Welfare is people having two effects on others: Helping when they are down, lifting them up- and building their faith in Jesus Christ in the process." Said Elder Eyring of Thomas S. Monson.

President Monson said "We have learned how to care for the widow, the orphan, the indigent, those impacted by accident, illness or old age. Ours is the added responsibility to cope with the challenge of changing needs, altered circumstances-- even new attitudes and different expectations. Where do we turn? Where shall we go for our help? I answer: Back to basics; back to the revelations of the Lord; back to the utterances of Gods prophets; back to the fundamental principles which have undergirded the welfare program of the Church."

Thomas S. Monson lived what he preached. While Thomas S. Monson was a bishop of his ward in Salt Lake, he was a well-known figure at the old Salt Lake County Hospital, visiting his ward members regularly. One evening he was asked to give a blessing to someone in the hospital. As he approached the women, he saw the woman in the bed next to her pull the sheet up to cover her face. He gave the blessing and turned to leave but felt prompted to go back and see who was in the adjacent bed. As he lifted the sheet, he saw a woman in his ward. "Why did you pull the sheet over your head?" he asked. She said "I thought you were here to see me, and when you stopped at the other bed I was embarrassed." He responded "The Lord knew you were here and brought me back. I am here to give you a blessing."

Bishop Monson was in the right place to help this woman, who needed to know the Lord knew her. She was not alone in this world, the Lord knew where she was and he inspired her bishop to see her. A couple months later, Bishop Monson received word that the woman had passed away. She had no next of kin, and Bishop Monson was called to the hospital to receive her belongings. This woman had lived alone, never married, and had joined the Church at the end of her life.

On her desk there was a letter with her last fast offering. She had also written a letter to Bishop Monson saying:

Dear Bishop Monson,

I think I shall not return from the hospital. In the dresser drawer is a small insurance policy which will cover the funeral expenses. The furniture may be given to the neighbors.

In the kitchen are my three precious canaries. Two of them are a beautiful yellow-gold in color and are perfectly marked. On their cages I have noted the names of the friends to whom they are to be given. In the third cage is Billie. He is my favorite. Billie looks a bit scrubby, and and his yellow hue is marred by gray on his wings. Will you and your family make a home for him? He isn't the prettiest but his song is the best.

Sincerely,

Kathleen McKee

Bishop Monson was inspired by this woman, remembered by the Lord. Kathleen had befriended many neighbors in need, cheering and comforting one who had lived down the street and was crippled. She brightened others lives. President Monson said Kathleens life was much like the bird Billie, he prized canary. ". . .Her song helped others bear their burdens more willingly and to shoulder their tasks more ably." She had gone about doing good.

By Sister Kristin M. Yee Ministering—“That Ye Love One Another; as I Have Loved You” April 2026

April 2026 general conference

Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency

"Ministering is truly loving and caring for others as the Savior would. It is a way of being; it is the way of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is not a program or a checklist; ministering is the essence of who God is and who we can become as we follow Him.

We are not called to or released from ministering. It is part of fulfilling the covenants we made at baptism and in the temple. We covenanted to take upon us the Savior’s name—becoming as He is as we sacrifice and consecrate our lives to Him. When we minister as He would, we begin to think, feel, and love as He would.

Our Father in Heaven carries out His eternal work by ministering to the individual needs of His children one by one. The Savior showed us this pattern often during His mortal ministry as He compassionately blessed, healed, and cared for “the one.” He invites us to do likewise—to minister in individual and personal ways, ways that help us to feel the love of God. When we feel loved and seen by Him, it changes everything. And when we bless the one, we bless the whole."

References:

"To the Rescue, the Biography of Thomas S. Monson." by Heidi S. Swinton Chapter 11, p 151-153

Sister Kristin M. Yee Ministering—“That Ye Love One Another; as I Have Loved You” April 2026 general conference