DOLENTIUM HOMINUM No. 32 Ð Eleventh Year (No. 2) 1996

JOURNAL OF THE PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR PASTORAL ASSISTANCE TO HEALTH CARE WORKERS

Editorial and Business Offices: Editor: FIORENZO CARDINAL ANGELINI Telephone: 6988Ð3138, 6988Ð4720, 6988Ð4799, Telefax: 6988Ð3139 Telex: 2031 SANITPC VA Executive Editor: REV.JOSÉ L. REDRADO O.H. Cover: Glass window by Fr. Costantino Ruggeri Associate Editor: REV.FELICE RUFFINI M.I.

Published three times a year Editorial Board: FR. GIOVANNI D’ERCOLE F.D.P. Subscription rate: one year Lire 60.000 SR. CATHERINE DWYER M.M.M. (or the equivalent in local currency) DR. GIOVANNI FALLANI postage included MSGR. JESUS IRIGOYEN FR. VITO MAGNO R.C.I. ING. FRANCO PLACIDI PROF. GOTTFRIED ROTH MSGR. ITALO TADDEI Printed by Editrice VELAR S.p.A., Gorle (BG) Editorial Staff: FR. DAVID MURRAY M.ID. DR MARÍA ÁNGELES CABANA M.ID. Spedizione in abb. postale Comma 27 art. 2 legge 549/95 - Roma SR. MARIE-GABRIEL MULTIER FR. JEAN-MARIE M. MPENDAWATU Contents

4 PONTIFICAL APPOINTMENTS 53 Aren’t I Your Health? Rev. Jorge A. Palencia EDITORIAL 58 Celebrations at the Sanctuary 7 The Care of the Sick in the Postsynodal of Our Lady of Guadalupe Document Vita Consecrata Fiorenzo Cardinal Angelini 58 Holy Mary: Queen and Mother of Mercy Fiorenzo Cardinal Angelini MAGISTERIUM 59 Let the Young Look to Christ 11 Addresses by the Holy Father, Fiorenzo Cardinal Angelini John Paul II 61 To Follow Christ in Keeping with Mary’s Example TOPICS 63 I Go in Spirit to Guadalupe 2 18 The Health Ministry: to Celebrate the Day of the Sick A Challenge for Training John Paul II Professor Francisco Alvarez 64 Cardinal Angelini’s Greeting 27 Suffering in Illness. to the President of the Republic Some Key Points to Help the Sick Towards a Positive Experience 65 A Cultural Exchange Miguel Angel Monge in Mexico City and Monterrey

TESTIMONY 65 From Humanae Vitae to Evangelium Vitae 40 The Most Reverend Jorge Martínez: Fiorenzo Cardinal Angelini and Pastor for Health Rev. Jorge A. Palencia 68 Angelo Cardinal Sodano’s Greeting for the Monterrey Congress 44 The World of Health: Facts and Proposals 68 The Second National The Pontifical University and First International Congress of Chile of Religious Institutions Engaged in Health Care Sister Delfina Maria Moreno ACTIVITY OF THE PONTIFICAL COUNCIL 70 Faithfulness to the Spirit 52 Celebration of the Fourth Is the Source of Creativity World Day of the Sick Rev. José Luis Redrado

53 The Holy Father’s Telegram 72 Rev. José Luis Redrado’s Concluding to Fiorenzo Cardinal Angelini Words

The illustrations in this issue have been taken from the book Kraków-Pie¸kny i Basniowy« , (Andrzej Laczynski,« 1993) Pontifical Appointments

The Holy Father has confirmed Rev. José Luis Redrado Marchite, O.H., as Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Pastoral Assistance to Health Care Workers for an additional five-year term.

The Holy Father has confirmed Rev. Felice Ruffini, M.I., as Undersecretary of the Pontifical Council for Pastoral Assistance to Health Care Workers for an additional five-year term.

Members and Consultors of the Pontifical Council

The Members and Consultors of the Pontifical Council for Pastoral Assistance to Health Care Workers who have been either newly appointed or confirmed in a previous appointment by the Holy Father are the following.

Members Their Eminences Cardinals 4 ANDRZEJ MARIA DESKUR JOHN J. O’CONNOR Emeritus President of the Pontifical Council of New York for Social Communications JAIME LUCAS ORTEGA Y ALAMINO Archbishop of San Cristóbal de La Habana JOSÉ FALCAO FREIRE Archbishop of Brasilia Archbishop of MICHELE GIORDANO Archbishop of Naples PIERRE NASRALLAH SFEIR of Antioch of the Maronites GEORGE BASIL HUME RICARDO J. VIDAL Archbishop of Westminster Archbishop of Cebu

Their Excellencies the Most Reverend

GIOVANNI BATTISTA RE LUIS REYNOSO CERVANTES Substitute for General Affairs Bishop of Cuernavaca, Mexico at the Secretariat of State CHARLES A. SCHLECK, CSC TARCISIO BERTONE Assistant Secretary of the Congregation Secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples for the Doctrine of the Faith and President of the Pontifical Missionary Institute CARLO CAFFARRA ANGELO SCOLA Archbishop of Ferrara Rector of the Lateran Pontifical University and Dean of the John Paul II Institute FRANCISCO JAVIER ERRAZURIZ OSSA for Marriage and the Family Secretary of the Congregation for the Institutes of ELIO SGRECCIA and Societies of Apostolic Life Vice President of the for Life JORGE ENRIQUE JIMENEZ CARVAJAL, DIONIGI TETTAMANZI C.I.M. Archbishop of Genoa Bishop of Zipaquirá, Secretary General of CELAM GIUSEPPE UHAC Titular Archbishop of Cesarea TADEUSZ KONDRUSIEWICZ Secretary of the Congregation Apostolic Administrator of European Russia for the Evangelization of Peoples JOSÉ SARAIVA MARTINS MARIANO VIVANCO VALIENTE Secretary of the Congregation for Catholic Education Bishop of Matanzas, Cuba STEFAN MARUSYN MIROSLAV PIERRE ZEVACO, C.M. Secretary of the Congregation for Oriental Churches Bishop of Tôlagnaro, Other Members

Baron Monsignor IVAN MARÍN LÓPEZ Knight of Obedience, Grand Hospitaller Secretary of the Pontifical Council COR UNUM of the Sovereign Military Order of Professor WALTER OSSWALD Rev. ANGELO BRUSCO President of the International Federation General of the Ministers of the Sick of Catholic Medical Associations (Camillians) Rev. PASCUAL PILES Sister JUANA ELIZONDO Prior General of the Hospital Order of St. John of God Superior General of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul Sister ALICE-MARIE RAVENEAUX Superior General of the of St. Charles Sister MARIA ISILDA FREITAS Superior General of the Franciscan Hospital Sisters Dr. MARCELLO SACCHETTI of the Gentleman of His Holiness Dr. ALAIN LEJEUNE Sister PHILOMENA SHEERIN President of the International Federation Superior General of the Medical Missionaries of Mary of Catholic Pharmacists Mrs. CLAUDE TRONTIN-DREUX Sister TERESA LOPEZ-BEORLEGUI Intercontinental Coordinator of the Catholic Fraternity Superior General of the Hospital Sisters of the Sick and Disabled of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Professor JUAN DE DIOS VIAL CORREA Brother PIERLUIGI MARCHESI President of the Pontifical Academy for Life 5 Former Prior General of the St. John of God Brothers Rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile

Consultors

Most Rev. UGO DONATO BIANCHI Rev. RUDESINDO DELGADO PEREZ Archbishop of Urbino-Urbania-S. Angelo in Vado, National Ecclestiastical Assistant to the Association of Catholic Health Care Workers, Most Rev. JAVIER OSÉS FLAMARIQUE Bishop of Huesca, Spain Rev. RENATO DI MENNA, M.I. Provincial Delegate for the St. Camillus Mission Most Rev. ANDREAS LAUN, OSFS in of Salzburg, Emeritus Professor of Moral Theology Most Rev. JOSEF VOSS at the St. Jean Seminary Auxiliary Bishop of Münster, Rev. BONIFACIO HONINGS, O.C.D. President of Caritas Consultor to the Congregation Monsignor IGNACIO CARRASCO for the Doctrine of the Faith DE PAULA Member of the Pontifical Academy for Life Member of the Pontifical Academy for Life Emeritus Professor of Moral Theology Professor of Moral Theology at the Athenaeum at the Lateran Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, Rev. JOSEPH JOBLIN, S.J. Monsignor JAMES CASSIDY Professor of Social Doctrine Responsible for the International Association at the Gregorian Pontifical University of Catholic Healthcare Institutions, USA Ecclesiastical Assistant to the International Committee of Nurses and Social-Medical Workers (CICIAMS) Monsignor MAURO COZZOLI Rev. VITOR FEYTOR PINTO Professor of Fundamental Moral Theology Director of the National Office at the Lateran Pontifical University for the Health Ministry in Monsignor FERDINAND KAYAVIL Rev. BALDO SANTI, OMD Former President Executive Vice President of Caritas in Chile of the Catholic Hospital Association of Director of Benziger Hospital Rev. KRZYSZTOF SZCZYGIEL Director of the Bioethics Institute Monsignor TADEUSZ STYCZEN at the Pontifical Theological Academy Member of the Executive Council in Krakow, of the Pontifical Academy for Life Professor of Ethics ATHANASE WASWANDI at the Catholic University of Lublin, Poland Sociologist and Moral Theologian Vice Rector of the Catholic Faculties in Kinshasa, Zaire Monsignor ITALO TADDEI Consultor to the Congregation for Mother M. MAURIZIA BIANCUCCI Superior General of the Benedectine Sisters Rev. DOMINGO M. BASSO for Reparation to the Holy Face Rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of of Our Lord Jesus Christ Sister SETSUKO MAIHARA Professor LINO MOTTIRONI President of the Association of Catholic Vice President of the International Federation Medical Institutions, St. Mary’s Hospital, Japan of Catholic Pharmacists Professor ALESSANDRO BERETTA Professor BERNARD NATHANSON ANGUISSOLA Professor of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, President of the Italian Institute for Social Medicine Clinical Associate at the New York Medical College, USA Dr. GIUSEPPE ASTEGIANO Dr. DINA NEROZZI-FRAJESE Member of the Board of Trustees of the Researcher in Experimental Medicine Vitae Mysterium Foundation at La Sapienza University, Rome of the Pontifical Academy for Life Vice President of the School for Professional Nurses Dr. HUGO OBIGLIO, O.M. of the Member of the Pontifical Academy for Life Director of the Bioethics Institute Professor CARLA GIULIANA BOLIS at the Catholic University of Argentina Professor of Comparative Biology at the University of Milan Professor WANDA POLTAWSKA Consultant to the Neuroscience Unit Member of the Pontifical Academy for Life of the World Health Organization Director of the Institute for the Theology of the Family Member of the Pontifical Academy for Life at the Pontifical Academy of Krakow, Poland Dr. ANNA CAPPELLA Professor CHARLES PROBST Member of the Pontifical Academy for Life Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Zurich Director of the Fertility Center at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome Professor MARIE-ODILE RÉTHORÉ 6 Member of the French Academy of Medicine Professor RINO CAVALIERI Director of Research at the National Institute Emeritus Scientific Director for Health and Medical Research of the Dermopathic Institute of Mary Immaculate Professor CLEMENTE ROBLES Dr. ANTONIO CICCHETTI President of the Mexican College of Surgeons Director General of the Gemelli Polyclinic, Rome Professor DOMENICO DI VIRGILIO Dr. MICHAEL SHANAHAN President of the Catholic Medical Association Member of the Pontifical Academy for Life of National President of the Catholic Medical Association of Italy Professor BRUNO SILVESTRINI Mrs. ILDE FIORDEPONTI Professor of Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy Expert in Health Ministry at La Sapienza University, Rome Programming and Organization Member of the Italian Bioethics Committee Professor DIEGO GRACIA GUILLEN Professor FRANCO SPLENDORI Professor of the History of Medicine Member of the Pontifical Academy for Life at the Complutense University, Spain Professor of Health Programming and Organization at Tor Vergata University, Rome Mrs. JÉROME LEJEUNE President of the Rome Chapter Honorary Member of the Pontifical Academy for Life of the Catholic Medical Association of Italy Professor AMLETO MALTARELLO Professor ADOLFO TURANO Former President of Italian Catholic Action Member of the Pontifical Academy for Life Director of the Microbiology Institute at the University Professor CORRADO MANNI of Brescia, Italy Member of the Executive Council of the Pontifical Academy for Life Mrs. ANN VERLINDE BOUTELEGIER Director of the Anesthesia and Resuscitation Institute General Secretary of the Catholic International at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome Committee of Nurses and Medical-Social Workers, Belgium Mrs. CECILIA MOLOANTOA Secretary of the Department of Health and Education Professor ROBERT L. WALLEY of the Bishops’ Conference of Southern Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology,

We most cordially thank all who have offered their services over the last five years. We sincerely hope that those whose appointment has been renewed and those appointed for the first time will be able to make a valuable contribution to the qualitative improvement and evangelizing efforts of our Council. The Care of the Sick in the Postsynodal Document Vita Consecrata

Varying descriptions have been provided of 12, 1980), prepared by the Congregation for the Vita Consecrata, Religious and Secular Institutes; John Paul published by the Holy Father on March 25, II’s Apostolic Exhortation Redemptoris 1996, the solemnity of the Annunciation of Donum (March 25, 1984); the Instruction the Lord. There has been reference to an Directives on Formation in Religious Insti- “encyclopedia” on religious life, and others tutes (February 2, 1990), prepared by the have referred to the first broad papal docu- Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated ment on this topic. There was even an attempt Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. The to identify the DNA of consecrated persons in Apostolic Letter Salvifici Doloris (February the text. There has been an “institutional read- 11, 1984) is also rich in valuable and relevant ing” and a “prophetic” reading of it. observations on the Christian meaning of It is thus not out of place to take a look at human suffering. It would also be very inter- 7 the specific aspect indicated in the title of the esting to take into account the numberless present reflection, for the additional reason addresses by the Holy Father to the partici- that, in the field of care of the sick and the pants at the General Chapters of men’s and health ministry, both men’s and women’s reli- women’s religious institutes. gious institutes—whether or not they possess Consequently, what the Apostolic Exhorta- this specific charism—have written the tion Vita Consecrata says about religious and noblest and also the most heroic pages in their the care of the sick is rooted in a terrain which history. has long been cultivated.

A Long Road Reflections and Directives in the Document I would like to make two observations, however, by way of introduction. Firstly, it Among the extensive Exhortation’s 112 should not be forgotten that the Apostolic paragraphs, no. 83 is entitled “The Care of the Exhortation Vita Consecrata is the conclusion Sick,” and there are other references to the of a long journey whose stages are represent- subject in the document, in connection with ed by the presynodal Lineamenti, Instrumen- the “multiple works prompted by Christian tum Laboris, the Relatio Ante and Post Dis- charity” (nos. 9 and 11), the dedication of reli- ceptationem, the Propositiones, and the Final gious to the point of facing persecutions and Message of the , held in October 1994. martyrdom (no. 24), the relationship between This documentation extended over a four- the fraternal life of consecrated persons and year period—that is, from the proclamation of the care of elderly and sick religious,1 the the Ninth Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of need for a “preferential option” regarding Bishops on consecrated life (February 2, “those in conditions of greatest weakness and 1992) to the publication of the postsynodal thus of most serious need” (no. 82), of the pontifical document (March 25, 1996). merits of the communities “that live and work Secondly, it should be borne in mind that, among the poor and marginalized, embrace beginning with the Council decree Perfectae their condition, and share in their sufferings, Caritatis, the Church Magisterium has pub- problems, and dangers” (no. 90). lished numerous documents on religious life. No. 83 is, however, singularly rich and, I I shall mention only Paul VI’s Apostolic would say, examines the problem of the rela- Exhortation Evangelica Testificatio (June 29, tionship between consecrated life and the care 1971) on renewal of religious life; Mutuae of the sick with maximum comprehensive- Relationes (May 14, 1978), prepared jointly ness. by the Congregations for Religious and for It opens with a recognition of what conse- Bishops, dealing with relations in the Church crated persons—especially women—have between religious and bishops; The Contem- done in service to the sick over the course of plative Dimension of Religious Life (August history, demonstrating that this kind of dedi- cation pertains to the prophetic character of complete to God and service to consecrated life.2 their brothers and sisters must be transformed A lengthy discussion could be devoted to into a capacity for fostering in the sick “the the precise meaning of the phrase prophetic offering of their suffering in communion with character, but it is clear that it is, above all, Christ, crucified and glorified for the salva- what makes consecrated life a precursor of tion of all,” and for “nourishing awareness in the destiny to which all those redeemed by them of being active subjects in pastoral care, Christ are called.3 by prayer and witness in word and conduct, The document thus recognizes that “the through the special charism of the cross.”7 Church looks with admiration and gratitude at If the work of health professionals must be the many consecrated persons who, in assist- transformed into a vocation, the care of the ing the sick and the suffering, contribute sig- sick by consecrated persons must, above all, nificantly to her mission.” be a vocation—that is, Christ’s call to imitate This is why it does not limit itself to invit- Him in his mission and action as a Good ing religious institutes—especially those Samaritan. which are oriented towards this by their spe- The sick receiving care must be able to rec- cific charism—not to overlook attention to ognize in the consecrated person serving them the sick, but, rather, invites them to give pref- Jesus Himself, bending over human pain and erence to it,4 following the example of Christ, taking pity on it in order to heal it at the root. the “Divine Samaritan, the doctor of souls and If the “healthcare” apostolate, as I would 8 bodies,”5 and following the example of their call it, of consecrated persons lacks this dis- respective founders and foundresses.”6 tinguishing mark, they risk falling into the Having stated this, the postsynodal Exhor- discouraging, sterile form of habit which, tation stresses four aspects of the care of the rather than relieving, soothing, and comfort- sick by consecrated persons: their duty to help ing, contributes to increasing the loneliness the sick to give value to their suffering; to and sense of abandonment. evangelize the healthcare environments where they work; to humanize medicine; and to examine the problems of bioethics in the Evangelizing Healthcare Environments service of the Gospel of Life. Jesus in his ministry and the Church, fol- lowing his example over the centuries, have To Foster an Appreciation of the Value looked at the sick and the field of health pro- of Suffering Among Those Receiving Care visions and care as a privileged terrain for announcing the Gospel. Today as well, the This is the distinguishing element in service loftiest request for “liberation” emerges from to the sick by consecrated persons. Their the suffering and sick. Therefore, as the Holy Father has also written, whereas “the Church has never regarded herself as defeated in the face of the violations by both individuals and authorities themselves” which the right to life, proper to every human being, has undergone and continues to undergo,8 “in loving, gener- ous acceptance of every human life, especial- ly if weak or ill, she is living through a funda- mental moment in her mission today.”9 In what way? “By seeking to illuminate the manner of living, suffering, and dying of men in our time through communication of the Gospel values.”10 Healthcare environments involve all aspects connected with the topics and prob- lems of health policy and assistance. A recon- sideration of these topics and problems is urgent, both because times have changed and because they affect a growing number of human beings. And consecrated persons are called to assume responsibility for this recon- sideration in a special way, as John Paul II also recalled in the Evangelium Vitae, in such fashion that they clearly reveal working at health facilities well know how their true identity.11 In witnessing to this iden- patients’ sensitivity to the service they receive tity men and women religious make a deci- is sharpened. This is the insight of the great sive contribution to evangelization, for they saints who have consecrated their lives to make the loving, salvific presence of Christ such service, bending over the sick with solic- visible.12 itude and motherly generosity, in the aware- Healthcare facilities entrusted to Christians ness that the way of Gospel witness depends and Catholics are not different from others, on our capacity to “humanize”—that is, to but seek to be, and must be, exemplary as make it accessible to the human conditions of compared to those whose management is not the sick. inspired by Gospel values. And it would be appropriate for many religious institutes—in the face of the persistent crisis in vocations to To Gain Deeper Insight consecrated life being observed precisely in into Bioethical Problems the areas of the world where health care is for the Sake of Gospel Service most advanced and the need for it is great- est—to ask themselves to what extent this cri- It will be recalled that Evangelium Vitae, sis derives from an enfeeblement of a witness for the first time in a document of the Church which in few environments would be so able Magisterium, provided a very comprehensive to manifest their identity as in those of care delimitation of health workers, extending this and suffering. Not to mention the fact that category to doctors, pharmacists, nurses, 9 dramatic phenomena like the numerous, inhu- chaplains, men and women religious, admin- man local wars and the endless procession of istrators, and volunteers, describing all of refugees forced to abandon their countries them as “defenders and servants of human expand and remodel, so to speak, the very life.”15 notion of healthcare environments. Recently The men and women religious engaged in as well, the women religious who sacrificed the care of the sick are truly health workers, their lives in Zaire to assist very poor popula- for as health and illness possess univocal defi- tions stricken by a lethal epidemic, unmista- nitions, the same holds for service related to kably confirm this new dimension. them. Consecrated persons, in assisting the sick, do not substitute for, but stand at the side of physicians, nurses, and others; their min- Humanizing Medicine istry is not an option, but a right and proper completion. Hence the duty to gain deeper We well know that the socialization of knowledge of the moral and ethical problems health care has not always been accompanied which are brought into play by medical prac- by its humanization; indeed, the opposite has tice. often happened and happens. “Discernment of the signs of the times,” as the Council affirms (Gaudium et Spes, 4), “must be conducted in the light of the Gospel so that ‘a response can be given to the peren- nial questions of men about the meaning of the present and future life and their mutual relationship.’”13 Attentive to the indications of the Spirit, consecrated persons are called “to develop new answers for the new problems of today’s world.”14 If this is true for all aspects of life both individually and in association with others, it is particularly true for the field of health policy and care. To humanize medicine thus means to accompany its development and progress with growing attention to the problems which they pose and to man’s varying sensitivity to them. To humanize is to become close to the humanity of one’s brothers and sisters, with- out imposing conditions based on calculation on our dedication and our service. Those Ethical training today can avail itself of a of facilities in which the sick and dying are cared for, but, above all, that of environments in which suffering, pain, and valuable tool which consecrated persons death are recognized and interpreted in their human and specif- ought to regard as an indispensable manual ically Christian meaning. In a special way, this identity must be clearly and effectively manifested at the facilities run by reli- for their activity and apostolate. I am referring gious or, in any case, connected with the Church” (Evangelium to The Charter for Health Care Workers, pub- Vitae, 88). 12 “The specific contribution of consecrated men and women lished two years ago under the auspices of the to evangelization lies, above all, in the testimony of lives total- Pontifical Council for Pastoral Assistance to ly donated to God and their brothers and sisters, in imitation of the Savior, who, out of love for man, became a servant [....]. Health Care Workers, available in several lan- Consecrated persons, by way of their consecration and com- plete dedication, render visible the loving and salvific presence guages and constantly updated with docu- of Christ, the consecrated one of the Father, sent on a mission” ments of the Church Magisterium. (Vita Consecrata, 76). 13 Vita Consecrata, 73 There is always a risk of superficiality and 14 Ibid. approximation whenever the problems of the 15 “The responsibility entrusted to health workers—doctors, pharmacists, nurses, chaplains, men and women religious, relationship between medicine and morality, administrators, and volunteers—is special. Their profession between professional medical service to life would have them be defenders and servants of human life” and the ethics of life, or bioethics, are dealt (Evangelium Vitae, 89). with. In concluding these reflections, though, I feel I should add that a characteristic of the postsynodal Apostolic Exhortation Vita Con- secrata is the unity of the concern inspiring it. 10 The whole document—regardless of the standpoint from which it is read and stud- ied—is rich in theoretical and practical—and always vital—indications for consecrated per- sons. To see it in terms of the reality of the health ministry contributes to consolidating its content and making its unity shine forth, just as it was for the Lord, who accompanied the announcement of his Gospel with the healing of those suffering in spirit and in body (Lk 9:1-2).

FIORENZO Cardinal ANGELINI

1 “The care of the elderly and sick holds an important place in fraternal life, especially in a time like this, when in some of the world’s regions the number of consecrated persons of advanced age is increasing. The solicitous attention they deserve not only reflects a specific duty of charity and grati- tude, but also expresses an awareness that their witness is of great benefit to the Church and the Institutes and that their mis- sion remains valid and meritorious, even when for reason of age or infirmity they have had to abandon their specific activi- ty” (no. 44). 2 “Following a glorious tradition, a great many consecrated persons, especially women, exercise their apostolate in the sphere of health care, according to the charism of their Insti- tutes. Over the centuries there have been many consecrated persons who have sacrificed their lives in serving the victims of contagious diseases, showing that dedication to the point of heroism pertains to the prophetic character of consecrated life (Vita Consecrata, 83). 3 “Since the , indeed, does not have a lasting city here, but is searching for the future one, the religious state… makes visible for all believers the presence of heavenly goods even in this world; it better witnesses to the new and eternal life acquired by Christ’s redemption and better heralds the future resurrection and the glory of the heavenly kingdom” (Lumen Gentium, 44). 4 “Let them give preference in their choices to the poorest and most abandoned of the sick, such as the elderly, the dis- abled, the marginalized, the terminally ill, and the victims of drugs and the new infectious diseases” (Vita Consecrata, 83). 5 Ibid. 6 Ibid. 7 Ibid. 5 Apostolic Exhortation Christifideles Laici, 38. 9 Ibid. 10 Ibid. 11 “The role of hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes in partic- ular should be reconsidered: their true identity is not only that Magisterium

Addresses by the Holy Father Join the Little Crosses of Life to the Cross of Christ

The Holy Father’s encounter with the cial path. It is called an “intense time,” a young people of Santa Maria Causa Nostrae “demanding way.” And to encounter this Laetitiae in Rome, on February 25, way as demanding we must enter the church 1996. and there follow the “Way of the Cross,” the way Christ followed in to Calvary I have heard many words, but one phrase with the Cross, his final road from the stuck in my mind: “We are crushed!” It’s a Synedrium, after being condemned to death. very beautiful expression because it testifies This “Way of the Cross” has remained in the to the fact there are so many of you, and this memory of the Church, not only in space can barely contain you. The “contain- Jerusalem, but everywhere. In all large and er” is insufficient, thank God! You are small churches and chapels we find the Via 12 “crushed” around Christ. It has always been Crucis to follow Christ and stop in front of that way. In the Gospels we read about the the fourteen stations. There is always a “Way throng that followed Him at all times and of the Cross” which virtually closes the accumulated around Him. But for Him it was Lenten period: the Via Crucis at the Colosse- not just a crowd, a throng: they were per- um. I don’t know if you have taken part in it sons, each and every one of them. He would on some occasion, at least by way of televi- look at each and speak to each, saying, “Fol- sion. low Me!” He did not call all of them together, I would like this Via Crucis to remain a but with all those to whom He said “Follow suggestive term for you, a programmatic Me!” He made the Church. term for the time of Lent. One must walk with All of this is a commentary on your words Christ. One must learn from Christ to join “We are crushed!” Now I want to make a few the little crosses of our lives to his great remarks on Lent, the forty days of prepara- Cross because that Cross is a sign of hope tion for Easter. I thought this morning about and salvation. what I would say to the young people. I I hope, then, that you will often be would observe that Lent is the time for a spe- “crushed”!

To Welcome the Needy Is the Language by Which to Make the Grandeur of Christian Love Comprehensible

On December 2, 1995, the Holy Father ered at your Congress in Rome for the Fifth received the religious of the Hospitaller Centennial of the Birth of your Founder. I Order of St. John of God, who were celebrat- cordially greet each of you present, particu- ing the Five-Hundredth Anniversary of the larly the Prior General, along with those Birth of their Founder. John Paul II addressed responsible for the religious families which the following words to them. have arisen from the charism of St. John of God, who truly marked the history of hospital 1. Dear Brothers and Associates of the care. Hospitaller Order of St. John of God! I am This is precisely the topic on which you are pleased to receive you while you are gath- reflecting, certainly assisted by the communi- ty’s experience and by the expert contribu- In this perspective the timely opening of tions of religious, associates, volunteers, and your Order to new social needs is situated, benefactors of the Order from the five conti- such as the care of drug addicts, AIDS vic- nents who have gathered here. tims, and the homeless; also highly appreci- I congratulate you on this initiative, by ated is your presence in many developing which you seek to renew and enhance the countries, where programs for preventive commitment and spirituality of care in a medicine and high-quality hospital services world which should be increasingly spurred provided by you to those populations consti- towards fraternity and solidarity, especially tute an eloquent manifestation of charity and towards the groups of human beings who are a living sign of hope. weakest. In addition, the commitment is important and significant to offering a service of pro- 2. In carrying out this purpose, you cannot fessionally skilled care and at the same time fail to draw inspiration from the example of one filled with humanity, competent and up- your Founder. He is a master and witness of to-date in terms of new medical technologies, extraordinary importance for you. but always solidly anchored in the principles St. John of God, for the abandoned poor and values of the Gospel and Christian and infirm of was the “good samar- ethics. Without this preparation, sometimes itan” who lavished himself with tireless zeal laborious and complex, there is a risk of los- to provide for their needs. If the power of ing the transcendent dimension of hospital love led him to take many of the indigent off care by reducing it to mere benevolence 13 the street to offer them a more secure, com- towards man. fortable environment, his notable sense of hospital care spurred him to perfect the orga- 5. When understood and carried out in this nization of the health facilities taking shape, way, dear Brothers and Sisters, the receiving nursing, and other charitable works project- of the needy will also be for you the language ed by him. John not only practiced hospital with which to make the grandeur, power, and care, but made himself, so to speak, hospital effectiveness of Christian love comprehensi- care, assisting those Providence had him ble to all. With this concrete, immediate lan- encounter day and night. guage, you will be able to rekindle expecta- tions, desires, and hopes in hearts sometimes 3. What was the secret of his existence, so disappointed and weary; you will be able to faithful to the Gospel? The answer is found echo the voice of God, who, in the intimacy of precisely in the title added to his name: “of conscience, invites every man to conversion. God.” Exactly that God who in Jesus Christ To give love through the daily of ser- has revealed Himself to be the Father of vice to the sick will enable you to sow the every man was the reason for the life and seed of the Good News in the places where action of your Founder. the human word alone would probably prove Aware of the fact that the Heavenly Father to be fragile and even ineffective. should be loved above all things and served I thus exhort you to continue along this in one’s neighbor, he committed himself to road, old and ever new, with renewed making that spiritual program concrete by courage and commitment. By virtue of the imitating Jesus in the preferential choice of original charism you will be able to con- the least. Infirm and needy man became the tribute to the new evangelization, a task way for him to say his “Amen” to the Father which belongs to the whole Church and in with Christ. Accordingly, as Jesus had which we are all urged to respond seriously passed among the people benefiting and and effectively to the challenges of the pre- healing all (cf. Ac 10:38), John was able to sent transition from the second to the third take the consoling word of God to the indi- Christian millennium. gent, offering them needed care out of love May Mary Most Holy help you; we con- and with divine love. template her during Advent as the Virgin lis- tening to the Word of God and the sublime 4. This, then, is the inestimable heritage model of receptiveness offered to the Divine which your Holy Founder wanted to leave Word; may you always be sustained by St. you! Today it is a question of proposing it John of God and the Saints of your Order; anew in a way comprehensible to contempo- and may you be accompanied by the Apos- rary man, immersed in an individualistic and tolic Blessing, which from my heart I bestow hedonistic culture, while avoiding diminish- upon you, upon your Communities, and upon ing the power and depth with which it has those who are entrusted to you in your daily been passed on to you. service. In Addition to Professionalism, to Stimulate in Future Physicians a Strong Spirituality Linked to the Gospel of Life

On November 25, 1995 the Holy Father service of mankind. addressed those participating in a meeting In this regard the cultural broadening of organized by the Institute for Clinical Med- the concept of “health” should be pointed icine of the Catholic University of the out, above all, which surpasses the narrow Sacred Heart in Rome. sphere of illness and clinical facilities. In addition, the new forms of local social and medical action have greatly improved prior 1. I am pleased to welcome you, dear situations of poverty in health care and are participants in the international meeting normally able to advance not only the phys- organized by the Institute of Clinical Medi- ical, but also the psychological and social cine at the Catholic University of the well-being of the person. 14 Sacred Heart, and I congratulate you on the The new concept of health, however, may interesting subject you have chosen to take on equivocal meanings in reference to examine: “Training Doctors on the Thresh- criteria deduced from the social practice old of the Third Millennium: The Role of which is sometimes prevalent. This may Catholic Universities.” lead to ratifying formulations, forms of I cordially greet Professor Adriano Bau- behavior, and legislative codifications con- sola, whom I thank for the courteous words trary to the fundamental rights of the per- just addressed to me on behalf of all those son. Resting on a social platform which is present. My thoughts also turn to Cardinal markedly subjectivistic, the expansion of Pio Laghi, Prefect of the Congregation for the concept of well-being—in itself posi- Catholic Education, to whom I express tive—thus threatens to turn against man. grateful satisfaction for the support and guidance offered for the realization of the 3. In this sociocultural context Catholic meeting. Finally, I convey a cordial wel- universities have a specific task: they are come to Professor Giovanni Gasbarrini of called to create in future physicians—along the Institute of Clinical Medicine of the with professionalism of a high scientific and Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, cultural level—a robust spirituality illumi- and to all of you, distinguished professors nated by the word of God, authoritatively at the Faculties of Medicine and Surgery, interpreted by the Magisterium. They will proceeding from different Catholic univer- obtain this thanks to the adoption of valu- sities around the world. able paths in training, constantly oriented towards the search for the profound, and I 2. The training of those who are prepar- would like to say, interior quality of the ing to work in the sphere of health care falls medical profession, strictly linked to the within the primary concerns of contempo- Gospel of Life. rary society, so sensitive to the “quality of It is thus necessary to achieve therein that life.” The major transformations which profound unity of faith and life to which have taken place in recent decades have Vatican II refers: “The Council exhorts deeply affected the identity and role of the Christians, who are citizens of the two physician. The travail of these changes is cities, to strive to carry out their earthly noticeable on a level of both guiding values duties faithfully, allowing themselves to be and of achievements and scientific and guided by the spirit of the Gospel. Those technological approaches. Difficulties and who, knowing that here we have no abiding problems of considerable significance often citizenship, but seek that of the future (Heb result therefrom which may sometimes lead 13:14), think they can for this reason to mortifying lags and delays. The reasons neglect their earthly duties are mistaken.... for concern should not, however, lead us to The rift observed in many between the faith forget that, precisely in our time, perspec- they profess and their daily lives should be tives of great interest are being opened for included among the serious errors of our the development of medicine truly at the time” (Gaudium et Spes, no. 43). 4. The integral, unitary, and dynamic university, and I encourage them to contin- vision of the world and history offered by ue generously in this ecclesial service so Christian faith constitutes inexhaustible that the Gospel will permeate the whole wealth to understand the new relations road of the university community. which are being established between social practice and the concept of health, and to 6. Dear professors, faith in Christ and the reaffirm with renewed impetus the validity desire to serve life have guided your steps of that professional ethic which over the towards a demanding profession. The centuries has been the true soul of health- appeal I addressed to all men of good will care culture. in the Encyclical Evangelium Vitae is valid For this reason, in addition to the indis- for you in a special way: “A general mobi- pensable knowledge of the Catholic faith lization of consciences and a shared ethical and of its doctrinal and moral implications, effort are necessary to get a major strategy it is necessary for the Faculties of Medicine started in favor of life. All of us together to devote greater attention and emphasis to must constitute a new culture of life—new the study of the social doctrine of the because it is able to face and resolve the Church, especially through appropriate current problems regarding man’s life; new research and interdisciplinary compar- because it is adopted with more solid, isons. In this way it will be possible to orga- active conviction by all Christians; new nize training programs which are more har- because it is able to prompt a serious and monious and comprehensive, preparing the bold cultural discussion with all” (no. 95). 15 way for superseding that marked fragmen- I am certain that the present international tation of scientific knowledge which too meeting will serve to consolidate your dedi- often characterizes current programs and cation, rich in wisdom and humanity, to the occasions a good many difficulties for the true good of persons and will be able to integral preparation of the person. transmit new goals in service to life, The young people who attend Catholic according to that multiform wealth which universities should be helped to acquire a the Spirit of the Lord conveys as a gift in synthetic and social vision of the medical every period of the Church. profession such as will orient them, both With these sentiments I invoke the heav- scientifically and ethically, in the different enly protection of Mary, the Seat of Wisdom situations in which they have to work. They and the Star of Evangelization, for all of will thus be able to practice timely discern- you and for your work, while imparting to ment of the demands of health-related activ- you from my heart the Apostolic Blessing. ity, making proper choices and managing to push themselves to the point of conscien- tious objection, if need be.

5. But the contribution of Catholic uni- versities does not stop here. Before becom- ing a cultural proposal, the values of pro- fessionalism and ethics must characterize teaching activity and relations among peo- ple within university life—that is, they must become a witness lived out on an everyday basis. Students must be involved in working out the new formulations and strategies for social and healthcare action. In that way, sharing with the whole academic communi- ty the effort in research and operative pro- gramming, they will be prepared to perform a service which truly increases humanity and, in a world often fascinated by utilitari- an and instrumental outlooks, they will be able to become convincing witnesses in a new evangelization. In this perspective, I express sincere appreciation to those devoting their ener- gies to initiatives in pastoral care at the Offer Your Suffering to Become Main Actors on the Way Towards the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000

On March 23, 1996 the Holy Father 3. The third reason for your pilgrimage is received in audience in Paul VI Hall partici- the intention of being actively incorporated— pants in the pilgrimage organized by the Fed- using to good purpose precisely the condition erative Institute for Transporting the Sick to you are in—in the itinerary of preparation for Lourdes. A group of Milanese students also the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000. In this attended. regard, I repeat my exhortation for you to feel yourselves in a full sense to be main actors on the road of evangelical renewal which the 1. I receive you with joy, dear Brothers and Church is called to travel in these years lead- Sisters of the Federative Institute for Trans- ing us to the Jubilee (cf. ibid., 9). You, dear porting the Sick to Lourdes! I address a warm people, “are called to a distinctive mission in welcome to you, above all, dear people who the realm of the new evangelization, drawing 16 are ill, who have faced the discomforts of the inspiration from Mary, the Mother of human trip to come to Rome, to the tomb of the Apos- love and pain. You are supported in this far tle Peter. from easy witness by the health workers, fam- I greet those responsible for the Associa- ily members, and volunteers accompanying tion and express my appreciation for this and you along the daily road of trial (ibid., 2). You the other initiatives enabling so many people are supported, above all, by the Immaculate to have the intense experience of faith which One, whom you love and venerate as the is the pilgrimage. I know that the motivation main goal of your earthly pilgrimages and of of confirming your faith is the main one the great pilgrimage of life. May you also be which has spurred you to come. I thus want accompanied by my Apostolic Blessing, to remind you, above all, of the words of the which I now impart with great affection to Apostle Peter: “Be filled with joy, even if you you that are present here and willingly extend must now be afflicted for some time by to those have been unable to come and to the diverse trials, so that the value of your faith, members of your families as well. much more precious than gold—which, though destined to perish, is still refined by fire—proves to be for your praise, glory, and honor in the manifestation of Jesus Christ” (1 P 1:6-7).

2. The second reason which has brought you here is the will to offer your prayer and your suffering: it is an offering—it could be termed a spiritual donation amassed in the concreteness of daily life, especially when it becomes burdensome and requires greater patience. Dear people, I thank you for the spirit of generous oblation and devoted solidarity with the animating you on this pilgrimage and, even more, in the ordinary offering of your prayers and sufferings. I thank you and I repeat to you what I wrote in the Message for the last World Day of the Sick: “To suffer and to remain alongside those suffering: those experiencing these two situations in faith enter into special contact with the sufferings of Christ and are admitted to sharing ‘a most special portion of the infinite treasury of the redemption of the world’” (no. 5). Topics

The Challenge of Training for the Health Apostolate

Suffering During Illness The Challenge of Training for the Health Apostolate

Inaugural Lesson at Our travel to fulfill her mission. ing in several cities, along Lady of Hope School for the This imperative, recalled by with initiatives aiming to pre- Healthcare Ministry, , Paul VI in Evangelii Nuntian- pare pastoral workers and vol- October 17, 1995 di, and definitively set forth unteers, as well as future by John Paul II, first in priests, though this latter facet Redemptor Hominis (nos. 14 is more embryonic. A Stimulating, and 21), and later in the afore- Where did the new aware- Healthy Kairós mentioned Salvifici Doloris ness of the need for training in (no. 3), has translated into a this field—which is so For about fifteen years the new sensitivity to what occurs immense—emerge from and healthcare ministry within the in man, in his interior and in what criteria ought to guide Church, and markedly in the complex web of his multi- it? My paper will deal with Spain, has been experiencing ple interests. these two questions, with the 18 a kind of new springtime, cer- The health ministry is a clarification, at the outset, that tainly compatible with the special symbol of the Church we will focus on theological- autumns of suffering, illness, community’s encounter with pastoral training. and death—the habitual sea- man—man ranging between son, though not the only one, nothingness and the infinite, in the world of health policy thirsty for full life and tempt- 2. Where the “Basic Events” and care. ed by crumbs, radically of Existence Arise The new atmosphere, con- threatened by death, fragile, stituted by new sensibilities, suffering, and in pain, and, at In Dolentium Hominum awakenings, and forms of the same time, capable of (no. 3) John Paul II uses this openness, is associated with denying the last word to the term for birth, suffering, ill- certain significant reference “passive aspects of exis- ness/health, and death, adding points—for example, the pub- tence,” a tension innately aris- that these create not only lication of Salvifici Doloris ing and frequently suffocated organizational, economic, and (1984), the promulgation of by culture and environment. political problems, but also the Dolentium A consoling kairós or one anthropological and theologi- Hominum (1985), whereby useful for self-complacency? cal/pastoral difficulties. These the Pontifical Council for Pas- The more awake we are, the are not, in fact, more or less toral Assistance to Health more lucid we are—that is, superficial experiences, but Care Workers was instituted, more aware of the shadows those which shape life and the the establishment of the obscuring the health ministry. substantial realm of existence. World Day of the Sick, whose It suffices to mention one Their anthropological intensi- most emblematic precedent obscure point having quite a ty is such that they affect not was found in the Spanish bit to do with the very origin only the way of life, but per- Church, the multiplication of this new School. As the tain to the very order of being. everywhere of national secre- Italian theologian G. Colom- To put it simply, they are fun- tariats, commissions, or bo pointed out years ago, in damental and constitutive. departments, with their dioce- the health ministry, especially As events they bear a three- san delegations, the prolifera- in the countries, a curi- fold seal within. That of the tion of volunteer groups and ous paradox has arisen and joyfully and painfully inex- associations, the reinforce- continues to appear: the coex- orable. What has happened— ment and revitalization of istence of a vast symphony of an illness overcome or a associations of Christian activities and initiatives and painful event—frequently health professionals. All of an evident lack of specific marks a life, creating a con- this is a sign of a current, theological-pastoral training. trast between “before” and whether silent or resounding, Notable efforts have also “after,” and the expectation of guided providentially by the been made in the area of train- what will inevitably take Spirit, to lead the Church into ing. Internationally, by virtue place—death—moves around the core of the Gospel. of its importance we recall the it an immense entourage of It is precisely the rediscov- creation in Rome of the struggles and defeats, ery—with a view towards the Camillianum (International moments of enthusiasm and “new evangelization”—of the Institute for the Pastoral The- disenchantment. It also fre- fact that man—above all, ology of Health Care) and in quently bears the seal of the when he suffers—is the way our country the schools for avoidable. What has hap- along which the Church must pastoral care in health exist- pened could have been avoid- ed—as, for example, with 3. At the Core “below,” where man feels the quite a few illnesses and suf- of the Symbols hurt, encountering him in the ferings; or it might have been cellar of his sufferings and experienced differently, in The events we are speaking his marginalization, Christ more healthy fashion, more of also possess marked sym- receives the human tension hopefully or joyfully. bolic content, which is both regarding life, giving sight to They are thus events whose spiritual and cultural. Sym- the blind and hearing to the third seal lies in the fact that bols, which circulate through deaf; but, at the same time, they are always and in all intuition rather than through He maintains the tension, cases experiences—that is, discourse, serve to bind and prolongs it, and elevates it— events taken up in awareness, join, even above and beyond that is, the itinerary of health the object of decisions calling differences; they always sug- towards salvation is not just for freedom and meaning, gest and point, go beyond for the supposedly ill, but for integrated into the different themselves, and reveal the every man, especially those coordinates of the person, other face, the frequently hid- who have the courage to rec- incorporated into a life project den dimension of reality. ognize that their crutches are and a set of values. They thus prompt the adher- perhaps in their brains, that This anthropological inten- ence or rejection of the heart the eyes of their heart do not sity does not enable us to rather than the assent of rea- distinguish between light and reduce them to just a biologi- son; they get sentiment mov- darkness, that some form of cal dimension or, as Dolen- ing, as St. Augustine would slavery is restraining their tium Hominum recalls, give say. will, and that their relations them exclusively technical Accordingly, health con- are not very healthy. The and political consideration. gregates a great multitude of recovery of physical health is 19 They are radically biographi- the poor and the rich around just the first moment in a cal events in which the its blessings, an innumerable long itinerary. inevitable—because it will throng nowadays of new Certainly, illness, suffering, happen or has already hap- “worshippers” of the new and death also have a symbol- pened—calls for the possibili- goddess Hygieia. It is the ic core. In them the at once ty that it will be the object of a faith which obtains the great- palpable and hidden side of new experience. In other est agreement and the largest the common fragility and pre- words, the possibility for number of followers. And the cariousness of man are mani- them to be experienced as fact is that health—one of fested. Palpable because there profoundly human and posi- those constitutive experi- is nothing more intense, bur- tively salvific events. ences, let it not be forgot- densome, or certain than the In the world of health this ten—is a great symbol of the suffering which penetrates threefold seal is found daily human condition itself. into the most recondite folds and everywhere, emblemati- Behind this search, even of the soul, nothing so famil- cally. On recalling it, we are when it is mistaken, when it iar and strange as illness pointing to one of the major halts at substitutes or coexists which progressively deterio- thrusts of the health ministry, with persistence in self- rates or death suffered as the and an exigency for training. destructive lifestyles, there maximum passion. But at the As for the former, the priority always lies hidden an infer- same time those events also objective of pastoral care is to ence, a longing for fullness, conceal, and perhaps for that act upon experiences, healing for overcoming is pre- very reason suggest and refer. them, evangelizing them, and carious and fragmentary, a The fragmentary is not com- reconstructing them, if neces- kind of thirst for wholeness pletely so; nor is weakness sary, modifying their course, and integrity. The terminolo- absolute; nor is the power of and discovering their mean- gy itself suggests this. death complete—though it ing. We might state this in Beyond it there stands a thirst does not leave visible traces another way: the health min- for salvation, for everything of a hoped-for eternal life. istry must seek to have salva- to be one—in the living Here the symbol is humble, tion take shape, here and now, silence of the body in harmo- but insuppressible. Illness and in these events, converting ny—and, what is more, for- suffering, therefore, can never them into healthy experi- ever. For this very reason it be isolated in a single dimen- ences, open to salvation. How also aims at that radical ten- sion of the person. Together can one act upon them effec- sion inscribed upon the heart with the bones and the organs, tively? It is frequently much of every man—sometimes the soul, emotions, relations, easier to act upon their bio- awake and thirsty, sometimes and the family also become logical dimension. Easier to suffocated or drowsy—plac- ill. And in literature, not even cure than to give meaning, ing him in a state of emer- in the Bible, there are no suf- simpler to delay death than to gency, dissatisfaction, and ficiently eloquent and exhaus- become reconciled to it, less nostalgia until he has found tive words to express the compromising to administer his final rest in God. God inner world of the sufferer. pills than to motivate a new Himself dwells therein; even Sometimes the illness itself is lifestyle. This is the first chal- more, He stands at its origin. just the tip of the iceberg of a lenge for training. And therein Christ became deeper and more extensive incarnate. Beginning from pathology. Hence the inevitable sensation of incom- for the great experiences and ecclesial language, we call the municability which accompa- the great disenchantments of “distant.” In this shift, at once nies those ill and suffering. mankind. Now, every cross- quantitative and qualitative, And what can we say about roads is itself an outlet, a con- the Church community finds the experience of death? Its fluence, a meeting point, and, one of the most solid reasons enslaving irruption, the threat at the same time, a moment of herself to shift her pastoral of unacceptable or perhaps decision, for undertaking new and evangelizing attention, desired complete destruction, routes, never a stable dwelling for it is also here that, quanti- is the biographical moment of place. tatively and qualitatively, the greatest transcendence, even In fact, those basic events, salvific encounter with men is though its presence before- which, moreover, are so com- taking on new meaning and hand in life has prepared for mon, are the ones which most scope today, attaining at least it. What is hidden therein, significantly put man to the the same level as any parish. resistant to the vision and cul- test, “forcing him,” to some On that way the biographi- ture of today, does not point extent, as Rahner has written, cal and sociocultural con- only to the human longing for to decide about what is essen- creteness of health and illness eternity, but, above all, to the tial in his life. They are and of suffering and death are possibility that a Love exists human not because they take also much better understood. which will save us beyond the place in man through the They are experiences which visible limit. imposition of nature or inde- depend on an immense web In this area, too, the health pendently of it, but because of factors. Illness—and the ministry encounters another he can and must decide about same could be said of the major thrust and another exi- them. other experiences—never 20 gency for training. As the And he certainly decides. exists abstractly; it becomes Lord did, the pastoral worker Man is the only being in cre- history, taking on flesh in the acts on realities or events ation who renders at least sick and in their inner and which are at the same time a some apparently biological family world, pertaining to a symbol. And symbols have phenomena—including the life experience and a culture, their own language and most trivial, everyday ethical and socioeconomic require a new sensitivity, a aspects—fundamentally and conditioning, and the models renewed model for pastoral constitutively cultural. A very of solidarity or the lack there- practice. The health ministry simple example will perhaps of. It always points to a great seeks the truth, but does not illustrate clearly the meaning alliance of factors and efforts, worship knowledge—above and implications of this affir- wills and decisions. all, the “truth” of what is hap- mation. Death and illness as From what we have noted, pening, the weight of what is biological events are the same though very hastily, in this real. The pastoral worker for all; and yet there are section, there also emerge must be aware that doctrinal abysmal differences in the some basic orientations for discourse, the proposal of way they are experienced, to pastoral action, orientations faith, and the communication the point that it is not death which call for specific train- of the salvific message must itself which marks the differ- ing. In order for the health be carried out through self- ences, but the expectation of ministry to have a significant involvement, and this is not one’s own death, with the and effective impact on those possible at a distance. It is entourage of decisions, of experiences, it is necessary at necessary to let oneself be meaning or meaninglessness, the same time for it to act on affected, in a healthy way, but of hope or hopelessness the cultural models they refer deeply. It is the way of access accompanying it. to and are based on. As H. to the core of symbols. What Now, those events, so Carrier has written, the evan- kind of training is required for deeply personal, are the ones gelization of culture is the this? This is the second chal- which may best reveal the most radical form of evange- lenge. cultural framework of society. lization. And here, in the To know how current man world of health and illness, it thinks, what his values and is mandatory to get to the 4. Crossroads: countervalues, expectation roots, for it is the world of the Point of Meeting and disenchantment, and life radical. and Nonmeeting meaning are, one must In order for evangelization encounter him along the way not to be, in the words of In view of what has been of those events; or, in more Evangelii Nuntiandi, just an said, it is clear that the world concrete terms, as a Bishop ornament, a mere coat of var- of health experience and care suggested to John Paul II at nish, in order for it to reach is the most emblematic the beginning of his Pontifi- man’s heart and the cultural “place” for what is human— cate, it is necessary to go to matrix of his decisions, it is that is, what is substantive, the hospital, to the places necessary to deal with the prior to all adjectivizing, the where health and illness are current cultures of health, life, common condition, prior to institutionalized. They are and death, make an impact on all differences. For this very places everyone must pass lifestyles, and propose new reason it is also a crossroads, through—the new “temples,” cultural models inspired by as J.M.R. Tillard has written, always full of those whom, in the Gospel. An arduous, but necessary task. Otherwise the core, his life, death, dawn and place independently of the Church’s action in that world twilight, dignity and elemen- confrontation and illumina- by way of her believers, insti- tary rights, meaning and tion of ethics. tutions, and communities will meaninglessness—that is per- have to be limited to the short manently at stake. An increas- outreach of charity—always ingly incisive, effective, and 6. “Gospel Territory,” necessary, but insufficient— aggressive science—indeed, Today More Than Ever be satisfied with exhortations at least unconsciously, closer and even condemnations; dis- and closer to the ultimate I have expressly left this tance itself increasingly from secrets of life and death— section for the end. It is clear the decision-making process, every day serves us up a por- that the grounding of a which, for better or worse, tion of new ethical problems renewed health ministry and influences the modification of whose complexity is ever the exigencies of adequate organizational patterns, and vaster. But, at the same time, training must be sought in the be absent from the new “pul- the size of these specific Gospel, above all—that is, in pits” where new cultures are questions cannot conceal the event of Christ and in cor- being generated. What would what I usually call “everyday responding practice. Now, we become of a “new evangeliza- ethics”—that is, the immense arrive at this discovery more tion” carried out apart from polyphony of values arising securely along the road trav- those basic events? What from the huge chorus of those elled. training resources does this promoting health, curing ill- In these harsh and fragile evangelization require? This ness, looking after the sick times the loss of Church lead- is the third challenge. and dying, and relieving suf- ership in the health field is fering. evident. The gap between 21 For this complex ethical faith and science has not yet 5. “Ethical Insight” configuration a certain been filled. Medical practice, in a World of “insight”—which in some with a paradoxically philo- Conflicting Values cases translates into good will sophical matrix, has eliminat- alone, in others, into a not ed the subject from medicine, It is increasingly evident very cultivated or refined sen- as V. von Weiszaker affirms, that the world of health and sibility, and in still others, into dehumanizing it. It has rela- illness is profoundly ethical. a lack of well-grounded moti- tivized and even ignored any Beyond what has already vations and criteria for deci- other therapeutic recourse and been stated, let us try to go sion-making—is not suffi- sought technical solutions, more deeply into what the cient. above all, to deeply human mass media bring out each We all admit, without reser- and social events. In these day in the form of news dis- vation, that pastoral care— times, what is thus primarily patches and feature stories. At and even more in the world of at stake is the vindication of the end of the entangled forest health—cannot be reduced the human and social dimen- of news—that is, at the root, just to proposing an ethic. sion of the basic events of perhaps, of what we read and However, an evangelization existence. Even more, in experience—is the tremen- which does not confront, order for the Church commu- dous fact that what is human, motivate, and orient culture, nity not to get the impression because it is such and in order attitudes, and behavior from of irremediably finding itself to be such, calls for the free- an ethical and moral stand- in a foreign land, in order for dom of oneself and others. It point is unthinkable. This the offering of the message of is subjectivity and otherness responsibility is becoming salvation not to be perceived which are clearly brought out more pressing today in the as an aleatory “addition,” and by these repeatedly men- face of the following factors: in order for its health model tioned basic events. To a crisis in the framework of not to slink in brashly or in become oneself, it is neces- values, a pluralism which rel- almost shameful or competi- sary to “intervene,” act, and ativizes every universal sys- tive fashion, it is indispens- decide regarding oneself; tem and at the same time calls able to discover the anthropo- only in this way is the sub- for pronouncements, the diffi- logical and anthropocentric stantive dimension of life culty in grounding in the core of the Gospel itself, pre- fashioned. But, precisely Gospel specific and apodictic cisely from the standpoint of because we are also other- responses to every new issue, health and illness. ness, which “imposes” and and the imperative need for a The phrase used by John offers itself to others, each major alliance for health sup- Paul II in Dolentium Homi- one of us is likewise the ported by the values which num in referring to birth, ill- object of the decisions of oth- most respect the sacred digni- ness/health, and death not ers. Others also intervene ty of every man, especially of only agrees with modern regarding us. the most defenseless. There is anthropologies, but is at the Now, the world of the also a more urgent need, same time deeply biblical. health ministry involves therefore, for adequate train- Biblically, in both Old and major decisions and thus ing so that the Christian vital- New Testaments, the reveal- major questions. Here it is ization of health care, which ing eloquence of health and humanity—that is, man’s is so varied, will not take illness and death resides pre- cisely in their biographical up of light and shadow, of and spiritual dimension—to watchful and smothered ten- such an extent that Christ did sion: the long road of Christ- not come to act as a healer or ian hope, a laborious illumi- as a rival to the medicine of nation whose definitive light his time, or even as a wonder- lies only at the end. worker, with miracles whose This is the health entrusted revelation ends in themselves, by Christ to the Church com- but, above all, to prompt new munity; it is the sign of the health-giving and salvific Kingdom because it is taken experiences, when one must up within an alliance—open live with illness as well, and to all men of good will— when one must live with wherein by a diversity of pro- death. fessions and ministries there The health which He offers is an effort to follow that long is a living expression of itinerary faithfully, travelling extreme solidarity—“He sac- along man’s road. It is an rificed his own health on the offer of health permitting spe- Cross,” states J.A. Pagola—in cialties, but not fragmenta- God’s passion/involvement in tion, calling for a strong sense human lives and at once of the of the core or the whole, as B. divine design to renew every Haring would say, and, in the man and all men. That is why words of Dolentium Homi- 22 He offers it symbolically and num, an integral vision of in a special way to those who, man. also in symbolic terms, best The health ministry consti- represent the wounded human tutes a specific and favorable condition—the sick and the “moment” in that itinerary socially excluded—but it like- towards salvation, a transcen- wise forms part of an itinerary dental moment to connect of integral salvation in which with man’s truth by way of all take part—that is, of health those events and also make for all. Hence not only is his his salvific encounter with mission therapeutic, but all God explicit. But the health his events are: Incarnation, apostolate involves, more- Paschal cycle, Spirit, Church. over, remembering that all He joined together cure and pastoral activity—that is, the announcement in a single evangelizing work of the mandate precisely because He Church and, of course, her proclaimed salvation by cur- liturgical activity—must also ing and his word—his very be health-giving and thera- person—was also health-giv- peutic. If that is not the ing and therapeutic. case—and, unfortunately, it It is exactly from the fore- often is not—the offer of sal- going that the leading and vation loses credibility, histor- most numerous orientations ical concreteness, and harmo- for the health ministry derive, ny with contemporary man. It which evidently require a new is hard for the Church to be a look for training. Let us point sacrament of salvation and of out just a few of them. God’s encounter with human- The health apostolate arises ity if it is not also an effective and is grounded here. It is sit- therapeutic sign and uated at the very beginning of encounter with man along the the salvific-therapeutic itiner- way of those events. ary. Its objective is for salva- Hence the health ministry tion to be embodied in the is certainly a test—I would form of health, which takes say a definitive one—of the shape in the body and in its Church’s fidelity to Christ’s world, and, at the same time, solidarity and to his exquisite for health not to be replaced passion for everything by, but to open to, salvation. human; but it is also forceful The health ministry, therefore, proof that it is not possible to must also be a shaping of proclaim/announce and cele- God’s passion by man, atten- brate without curing, without tive and sensitive to all that promoting a healthier society happens in him; and, in addi- and community life, without tion, it must accompany him promoting an integrally on that long itinerary, made renewed humanity. 7. The Kind of arise quite varied mechanisms Theological-Pastoral of self-defense—thoroughly Training Needed studied today—or undesir- for Health Today able effects, such as stress, lack of motivation, emotional Though our reflection has disengagement, loss of enthu- already occupied sufficient siasm, excessive profession- space, may I nevertheless be alizing, or the opposite allowed to enter into this final extreme, dangerous sentimen- section, where I shall exam- talizing of one’s own activity. ine some conclusions which Adequate theological-pas- arise almost immediately toral training—which is not from what we have said and added to other specialties or suggested already. For further qualifications, but which inte- study, I refer you to two grates them—thus requires essays of mine: one in the equal measures of knowing, book Religiosos al servicio de knowing how to act, and los enfermos (Madrid: Inst. knowing how to be. A desir- Teológico de V.R., 1982) and able qualification falls within the other in Boletín Informati- an apprenticeship, which is vo de Vida Religiosa, 51 certainly a process involving (1981), no. 5. integration, sensitizing, deep- ening insight, and, obviously, 7.1. A Twofold Objective practical effectiveness. 23 In the awareness that I am I may perhaps be able to referring to the theological- clarify these very general pastoral training to be impart- statements somewhat by way ed at the School being inau- of an example. I believe that gurated today, let us begin by the most relevant dimension pointing to a double objective of the service provided by involving two complemen- every health worker— tary perspectives. whether a doctor, volunteer, The first objective of theo- or pastor—is the relationship, logical-pastoral training is the what is called the therapeutic very person of the profession- or helping or pastoral rela- al, volunteer, pastoral worker, tionship. Now, in terms of bib- or chaplain. It is thus a per- lical-theological reflection, sonalistic perspective. It the behavioral sciences, and would be superfluous to men- current medical anthropolo- tion it if it did not take on spe- gies, it is increasingly clear cial relevance in health policy that persons themselves are and care. the first therapeutic resource Those working in this and that one of the greatest field—and even more so if curative energies—there are they are believers—are sub- some who say it is the prima- jected and exposed each day ry one—is love. to the “serious side” of life, There are numerous conse- found in the events we have quences of this fact for a wise been citing. There is no activ- interpretation by believers. ity which so deeply involves Let us look at some of them. and challenges the one carry- Our own humanity is and ing it out as those conducted continues to be an ordinary in this field. Daily contact mediation of the humanity of with those events puts the God, who becomes embodied best and the worst in our life in the world of health organi- histories, culture, and mental zation and care, within the and emotional “program- long itinerary of health and ming” to the test. It leaves us salvation. The first course is, exposed, deprives us of then, humanity itself, in order masks, and shakes securities, for it to be a symbol and pro- especially if they are false. It longation of God’s humanity, confronts us with what is of his salvific love and will. essential and ultimate. Hence, Training must thus help us especially in those who to understand that in our “hide” behind a role or in activity curing and evangeliz- those who are not prepared or ing are “infectious,” as it motivated to let themselves were, or by osmosis—that is, be affected or involved, there training which does not help to become thoroughly famil- cal aim. This is not the place iar with one’s own therapeutic to examine this mission resources, for example, one’s deeply, but to point out, own inner world, one’s reac- though briefly, two basic tions to the “serious side” of objectives for theological- life, which does not foster the pastoral training in this con- assimilation of one’s penum- nection. bra and wounds, and which Behind the praiseworthy does not aid in becoming rec- and promising pursuit of the- onciled to one’s death is not ological-pastoral prepara- valid. We come from a tradi- tion—also by those who are tion which has exaggerated not pastors or pastoral work- the importance of transmit- ers—there is concealed a ting truths, content. We are providential insight which now aware of the fact that the training must ground and learning of techniques for consolidate: any health ser- relationships, of psychopas- vice informed and illuminated toral skills and capacities, and by faith and carried out in the the knowledge of the com- name of the Church itself pos- plex psychology of the sick is sesses apostolic value. AA, not sufficient if there is no no. 8, after pointing out that Gospel content and experi- every apostolic work arises ence regarding them; but we and draws its strength from 24 also know that content—no charity, adds that there are, matter how beautiful and nevertheless, activities which credible—and personal expe- by their very nature more rience of faith do not reach intensely manifest charity and their target, penetrate, or that Christ Himself gave pref- evangelize without adequate erence to them as a sign of his learning of communication, messianic character. John transmission, and incultura- Paul II echoes this same con- tion. This serious deficiency viction in SD. This certainty is at the root of what Paul VI is also present throughout this called “the drama of the rup- already lengthy exposition. In ture between the Gospel and many workers it is only an culture” (EN, 21) and intuition emerging from the becomes particularly evident humanitarian content of their in our world of health and ill- profession; in not a few reli- ness. gious it has been a question, To learn relationship means sometimes rather agonizing, much more than compensat- which has not been given a ing for a lack of humanity in unifying answer; for other the health sphere and is, of workers their activity is basi- course, quite different from cally the practice of a “secu- sentimentalizing our profes- lar” profession subject to the sions. It is a slow learning logic of rationality and the which goes from anthropolo- demands of efficiency which gy to psychology, from is increasingly devoid of reflection on personal experi- humanity and at root based on ence to knowledge of nature economics. and the techniques of the Now then, adequate theo- helping relationship, from logical-pastoral training does supervision of pastoral prac- not seek to make everyone a tice—initially done by pastor or chaplain, but helps experts—to grounding it in each health worker—whether adequate understanding of the lay, religious, volunteer, or mystery of Christ in terms of remunerated—to discover the therapy, and from personal pastoral and evangelizing responsibility and motiva- mission of promoting health, tions to the capacity for multi- curing illness, caring for the disciplinary teamwork, to sick, and relieving suffer- mention some aspects. ing—that is, the mission of The second objective and, this activity. Here, in this with it, the second perspec- throng of “apostles” and tive is and could not be any- evangelizers, often not very thing but mission. Theologi- aware of being such, to a cal pastoral training is not an great extent lies the fate of the end in itself, but has a practi- Church in the complex field of health. This training not worker imperatively needs to only creates awareness of the find his place, accredit his value of witness, which, specific contribution, and according to EN, poses “com- thus show authentically that pelling questions” and, competence, as John XXIII according to Redemptoris would say, is the modern Missio, is the first form of expression of charity. I do not evangelization. This training hesitate to assert and maintain must also help to ground the that the world of health and meaning of health activity illness is a real testing ground biblically and theologically, today for the capacity of the the health-giving/salvific ecclesial community to make dynamic it forms part of, and the salvific and health-giving the ecclesial communion it power of the Gospel message shares in, and, in addition, reach the heart of men and must, to a maximum degree, culture. A place of encounter provide for the assimilation of and alliance, a place of culture and the symbolic Church and communion, a value of gestures—“therapeu- place of the ultimate and tic gestures”—and illuminate authentic questions, of wait- professional practice ethical- ing and of hope. A world like ly. this needs the best witnesses Obviously, the ultimate and the best teachers today. purpose of creating a new At the same time, adequate 25 School for Pastoral Care in theological-pastoral training, Health is to train pastoral conceived and imparted in workers—that is, persons keeping with the health world qualified to join a pastoral and its events, must also be in team, in whatever environ- harmony with the major theo- ment, and/or combine the logical-pastoral directions practice of a technical profes- and the broad pastoral frame- sion with meaningful pastoral work of the universal Church collaboration. In this regard, a and, very concretely, of the School like this one must Spanish Church. Consequent- strengthen what I call “spon- ly, the evangelization of the taneous evangelization”— health world today must be though in practice it is not so seen in the perspective of the spontaneous—and help the new evangelization, for largest possible number of instance. In that world we are persons to move from this witnesses to the value and rel- evangelization to pastoral ativity of the traditional care. The former is the work moorings of faith and popular and duty of all, because they religiosity, the old sediment are baptized—as recalled by of forgotten forms of catech- AA, no. 2; the latter, on the esis, the vestiges of a culture other hand, is an art which is which was once Christian; learned, not improvised, a and, at the same time, we mission entrusted which has experience a stirring of the meaning only if it is practiced perennial questions, condi- in communion with the tioned by new sensibilities, Church, which, today more the unmasking of false forms than ever, needs to evangelize of security, or the reopening by way of testimony and of closed horizons, the way announcement, through wit- our capacity to translate the nesses and teachers (EN, 71), Gospel into a new culture and if you prefer (without correct- to root the Good News in ing Paul VI), witnesses who environments where other are masters of the art of bear- forms of good news struggle ing witness—slow learning, with ours is being put to the as we have seen—and teach- test. But, above all, we ers whose announcement and observe that today’s major discourse are nourished by crises and problems—family, their own experience of sexuality, public morality, the God’s salvation, which has loss or weakening of faith, taken shape in their own cure. etc.—are particularly concen- In such a pluralistic, techni- trated in the settings in which fied, and specialized world as we work and in the mode of is health care, the pastoral living through the events and culture of health, illness, suf- second, biblical and theologi- Conclusion fering, and death. cal training area which con- tains the following disci- I shall conclude my talk by 7.2. Essential Components plines: suffering, illness, and expressing a conviction and a of a Training Program death in biblical and theologi- wish. The former is readily The program of this new cal reflection, the theology of deduced from the content set School, which many of you health, the theological foun- forth. The world of health and are already familiar with, dations for pastoral practice, illness today is, as brought out though modest—let us not for- and the theology of corporeal- by the documents of our pas- get that it involves a two-year ity. tors, a special field for evan- updating course and not spe- c) The third hub of the gelization, and I would add: cialization—largely reflects training program seeks to not only, as it always has this final section and is, also in respond to the fundamental been, by way of testimony— great measure, a concrete fact that those events and whereby the Church has per- shaping of the main orienta- their complex “world” are the haps written some of her best tions set forth herein. object of pastoral and ethical pages—but also by announce- Without going into detail practice, special places for ment. The ecclesial commu- on each discipline, a few indi- salvation and evangelization. nity cannot separate what cations suffice to grasp the This section, which most Christ joined: proclamation of structure and overall formula- abounds in courses, includes the Kingdom and healing of tion being applied. In summa- pastoral care in the health the sick—that is, a healing ry fashion, the training pro- field, liturgy and sacraments, which is at once announce- gram has been conceived as the pastoral helping relation- ment, and an announcement 26 follows. ship, supervision of pastoral which is also health-giving a) We start from the practice, pastoral workers and therapeutic. Here there assumption that the world of (volunteers, laity and pastoral surely resides the main reason health, illness, and suffering care), religious consecration for which the action of the revolves around an unavoid- and service to the sick, spe- ecclesial community in the able trilogy: the basic human cialized pastoral care (termi- world of health policy and events in existence, the socio- nal, palliative, mourning, the care is not only an imperative cultural and medical setting in elderly, psychiatric patients, of the charity of Christ—“Go which they take place, and the AIDS, the psychically dimin- and do the same”; “I was sick workers—a very broad term, ished, the nonpracticing, and you visited Me”—but extending from the family to members of other denomina- also an inescapable and insep- the school, parish, media, tions, etc.), and bioethics. arable demand of evangeliza- professionals, etc.—related to d) Finally, although in our tion. health and illness. We start, training program it is the My hope, therefore, is that then, from the fact that object of only one course, the this School will contribute to health—from a Christian spirituality of the Christian spreading awareness in the standpoint, too—is at the health worker—whoever that Church community that theo- summit of a great alliance. person may be—is, in my logical-pastoral training for This means that theological- view, particularly significant. evangelization in the world of pastoral training must com- Theological-pastoral training health and illness must prehend the contributions of would be incomplete if, in expand progressively—as a allied disciplines—e.g., the addition to the elements com- good many pastors already sociology of health, health- mon to other Christians and maintain, fortunately, and care systems and legislation, other vocations and min- some documents of the Mag- the psychology of health and istries, it did not help that isterium confirm (cf. Priestly illness, psychopathology and worker to discover and enrich Training and Pastoral Care pastoral care, the elements in a personal spiritual profile. It in Health, for example, pre- a synthetic Christian vision of is evident that through the pared by the Pontifical Coun- man, the elements in a syn- veins of the world of health cil for Pastoral Assistance to thesis of medical anthropolo- and illness—in terms of the Health Care Workers)—to an gies, the history of the sick and carers, the healthy increasing number of Chris- Church’s action in health, etc. and the sick, the gesture and tians, groups, and associa- b) A second direction or the word, quiet witness and tions and, above all, to cur- vector in the training program explicit announcement— rent seminarians, future starts from the assumption there flows a rich spirituality priests, whose ministry will that the fundamental or which must still be discov- inevitably introduce them grounding events, deeply ered. fully, sometimes without suf- rooted in the person and in the It is, then, a program seek- ficient preparation, into those community, are also at the ing to articulate and harmo- fundamental events in exis- core of the history of salva- nize doctrinal and pastoral tence. tion, are the object of the moments, theory and super- salvific design, and are indis- vised pastoral practice, speci- Professor FRANCISCO pensable for understanding ficity and complementarity, ALVAREZ the mystery of Christ and the self-enrichment and the clari- Our Lady of Hope School for Church. Hence the need for a fication of mission. Pastoral Care in Health, Madrid Suffering in Illness Some Keys to Helping the Sick Towards a Positive Experience

The title of this paper was fering arises when to some suffering of the innocent; it is suggested by the Health Min- extent the body hurts, where- the “dark picture” which has, istry Secretariat of the Span- as moral suffering is the pain indeed, been expressed in lit- ish Bishops’ Conference and of the soul. In effect, it is pain erature (Dostoyevsky, Kafka, by the Christian Health Pro- of a spiritual kind, and not Camus) and about which fessionals group (PROSAC) just the psychic dimension of John Paul II speaks when for meetings during 1995. pain accompanying both referring to this subject.4 In The title is rather broad, moral and physical suffer- this case we have no convinc- but, in any event, includes ing.”3 ing human answer. two clearly distinguishable However, in formulating A great many forms of pain aspects that I shall try to deal this study, we shall use the are caused by men’s injustice with, on the basis of my hos- two terms interchangeably. and selfishness; we are refer- pital experience over four- ring to both the rending teen years.1 2. The Reality of Suffering afflictions—like war and 27 famine, terrorism, violence, There are many kinds of and so on (it suffices to watch A) Pain and Suffering suffering—that is, there are the news on television to in Illness many causes or agents occa- observe them)—and the most sioning suffering during life: intense personal sufferings 1. Pain and Suffering accidents, personal faults and (loneliness, failed marriages, deficiencies, human fragility, rejection by loved ones, and Although they are usually and so on, but we can reduce certain illnesses). The Pope employed indistinctly, the them to two: one which, “as a speaks of some threats to life terms pain and suffering are law of life,” is engraved on which proceed from human not synonyms.2 Pain refers to the heart of nature (also of nature (aggravated by men’s the somatic, physiological human nature) and another indolence and negligence) order: “an unpleasant sensa- which we men add each day and of others which result tion produced by the action with our egoism. The first from situations of violence, of stimuli of a harmful kind of suffering is a mys- hatred, and opposing interests nature”; these stimuli may tery; it appears in part before which induce men to attack proceed from outside or orig- man’s intervention because in each other in killings, wars, inate in the organism itself. nature there is no progress or slaughters, and acts of geno- This kind of pain can largely evolution without struggle, cide.5 be controlled by medicine, pain, and death. But, in addi- At present physical pain though with some excep- tion, there is another kind of has become a problem which tions, as we shall see. suffering: that which men can be resolved by turning to Suffering, though often gradually heap on our own good medicine: a surgical starting with a physical pain, shoulders and on those of operation, analgesics, or dif- includes other aspects: it is others. A more bitter and ferent anti-pain techniques; more psychological, more tragic suffering. pain units and palliative care related to the person, and is It has been said that human already exist in many hospi- bound up with other factors malice accounts for four- tals.6 Though not everything (personality, attitude towards fifths of men’s suffering, but has been solved, those of us life’s difficulties, the spiritual there remains an enormous in touch with the hospital tone of the subject, etc.). Suf- amount of suffering whose environment observe this fering is felt not only by the origin is not found in us. daily. This fact, taken from person experiencing an ill- There are also forms of pain medical journals, suffices: ness, but also by his sur- which are to some extent 80% of terminal patients roundings, family and com- “comprehensible” (when an experience pain, and they are panions. Needless to say, elderly person dies, for not always properly relieved. pain is easier to relieve than instance; the post-operative But there remains a large suffering. This difference is stage is always uncomfort- area of what we could term expressed very well by Pope able; there are diseases con- “inevitable sufferings.” Mod- John Paul II: “Suffering is tracted by one’s own personal ern progress is animated to a something even broader than errors: cirrhosis in alcoholics, great extent by the will to illness, more complex, and at AIDS in drug addicts, etc.). eliminate suffering in human once more deeply rooted in But there are “incomprehen- existence. Yet suffering sur- humanity itself; physical suf- sible” forms of pain, like the faces again in a thousand ways in the life of every per- undergo within that painful meaning for him. He said he son. And we thus observe experience. Suffering which did not practice any religion, that the human being’s life is is not experienced inwardly so he could not be offered any limited, vulnerable, and is reduced to a brute fact consolation by that route. The always exposed to suffering, which will not contribute to psychiatrist found it hard to constantly threatened by ill- constructing my life and counsel him until the follow- ness, accident, and misfor- which may, on the contrary, ing question occurred to him: tune, and inevitably destined destroy it.”10 “Did you love your wife very to aging and death.7 “Can adversity engender much?” He replied, “Very happiness?” a religious writer much. That is the reason for 3. In Search of a Meaning of our time wondered. “At my desperation.” Frankl then least it can engender many asked, “If you had died In any event, it is evident things: depth of the soul, full- instead of her, your wife that pain exists, present ness of the human condition, would now be the one suffer- throughout human life; with a new paths to discover more ing, wouldn’t she?” “Of theological vision one can light, to approach God.” For course,” the doctor replied. say that “pain falls within this reason, Martín Descalzo “Well, cheer up, doctor, God’s plans. That is reality, continues, “we must not be because you are sparing your though it is hard for us to afraid of pain, just as we are wife a great pain,” Frankl understand it.”8 not afraid of the night. We replied. That response left Men of all times, on the know the sun goes on exist- him disconcerted at first, but basis of their experience and ing even if we do not see it. the patient reacted and said, their own pain, have always We know it will return. God “Thank you very much, doc- 28 sought an explanation to the does not disappear when we tor. This is what I wanted.” meaning of suffering. The suffer. He is there in another That man had found a rea- first question which is posed way, as the sun is when it has son for his suffering, which is whether a merely human departed from our sight.”11 in his case was a valid human meaning can be found. It cer- Philosophers have not been reason; it was certainly an tainly has one, but only from lacking who find no meaning achievement of Logotherapy, a transcendent standpoint can in pain—all of those who are the system conceived by it be adequately explained, so irritated by the suffering of Frankl. though sometimes it is not the innocent that they even entirely understandable. John conclude by denying the 4. The Mystery of Suffering Paul II speaks of the “social existence of God; John Paul environment, which does not II refers to them in the But the truth is that, in the see any meaning or value in book/interview we men- face of the pain of the inno- suffering; indeed, it is regard- tioned. Let us recall A. cent, and pain in general, ed as evil par excellence, Camus’ The Plague, which human reason gets lost when which must be eliminated at dramatically poses this sub- seeking satisfactory argu- all costs. This happens espe- ject. ments. All of them are flimsy, cially when an ethical-reli- But there are also many and, in the final analysis, gious vision is not possessed philosophers and psycholo- none are persuasive. Christ- to help to understand the gists who do find meaning in ian faith does not supply evi- mystery of pain positively.”9 it. Kant asserts that pain is dence either, but refers us to We thus ask ourselves this “the goad for action and the Christ on the Cross. Before question: Does suffering basis for the real feeling of the reality of suffering, the have a meaning? life.” Psychologists say pain remedy is to look at Christ, We start from an obvious snatches man from his cir- who experienced the whole fact: suffering is not good in cumstances and offers him range of pain out of love for itself; in itself it is an evil. the chance to detach himself men. We see Him born, liv- There is, then, an instinctive from the objects in his envi- ing, and dying in poverty; He tendency to reject it, even in ronment and transcend him- was insulted, defamed, and believers, as in the remark by self. Pain may lead to either condemned unjustly; He also a who, after an operation, selfishness or generosity, to endured treason and aban- was asked, “How are you, the contraction of life to the donment by his disciples; He Sister?” She replied with res- stump of the primary, the experienced solitude and the ignation, “Carrying out instinctive, or to better bitterness of crucifixion and God’s will, pretty much knowledge of existential lim- death. against my own.” itations and spiritual possibil- Theological reflection But that does not mean that ities. must admit that there is no it lacks sense. “Suffering is Many years ago, I heard a definitive response. There are always bad. But it is a bad great psychiatrist, Victor certainly many attempts to experience in which one can Frankl, tell the following explain suffering, although live through something posi- anecdote. A cultured man, a such efforts always lead to tive. Suffering is offered to medical doctor by profession, new questions. As C.S. me as a possibility. It is I who visited his office. He felt des- Lewis states, “Christianity must decide what I am going perate because he had just lost creates, rather than resolves, to be, what I am going to his wife. Life no longer held the problem of pain.”12 But one thing is definitely victim complex, and one’s occasion, after a slaughter true: “God our Lord does not sorry fate is not lamented. I perpetrated by Pilate in cause the pain of creatures, know my life is something which many Galileans died, but tolerates it because—in great because it belongs to Jesus remarks, “Do you think the wake of original sin—it Him and, in any event, is those Galileans were greater forms part of the human con- headed towards Him, though sinners than others because dition.”13 I find it more costly at certain they suffered all of this? I tell It is also clear that religious times. I in fact discover pro- you that they were not and experience or a sense of tran- gressively that with God I that, if you fail to do penance, scendence greatly helps to can continue going forward you will all perish in the relieve pain; if, on the other together with others, in spite same way” (Lk 13:2-4). But hand, God is dispensed with, of my limitations and diffi- experience itself shows us pain proves to be absurd: culties, with a joy which sur- this constantly: do bad people “Only Christian faith enables prises many and amazes me, suffer more? Are the wicked man to approach the secret of but it seems reasonable to punished with illnesses while suffering and death and frees me, for God never deceives the just receive only bless- him from despair. But peace those who seek to please Him ings from God? Rather, the is found only at the end of a with the strength they opposite seems to be the case, long road. Those who suffer have.”15 if we accept the complaint of should not be surprised at the psalmist when he won- feeling closer to blasphemy 5. Various Interpretations ders why the just suffer: “I than to the Fiat; but they of the Meaning of Pain envied the perverse on seeing should believe with all their the wicked prosper. For them strength that Jesus Christ will A) Pain as a Result there are no troubles; they are 29 help them not only to under- of Guilt and Sin healthy and stout; they do not stand one day, but also to say It is curious that this thesis, endure human weariness or ‘yes’ to Him, thereby using though superseded, remains suffer as others do...” (Ps 72). pain for their own salvation anchored in the thought of Jesus Christ does not pro- and that of the world.”14 many sick people: What did I vide explanations, but, I shall include the testimo- do to deserve this? It is prop- moved by so many suffer- ny of a priest who, after a er to a mentality proceeding ings, not only does He allow traffic accident, was left from the Old Testament. Let Himself to be touched by the tetraplegic; he responds as us recall the Book of Tobit. sick, but He adopts their indi- follows to the question as to The elderly Tobit has gone gence: “He took on our why God lets his children blind, and those around him, weaknesses and bore our suffer: “A great deal could be including his wife, say, “Do infirmities” (Mt 8:17). He did said about that ‘why,’ though you see? What good were the not cure all the sick, but on a great deal has already been alms you gave?” (Tb 2:14). the Cross took upon Himself said. I now prefer to consider And they prod him towards the full weight of evil and that suffering is another occa- rebellion against God. The took away the sin of the sion which the Lord offers us Book of Job also reflects this world, of which illness is to affirm, not only by word or attitude, though the author nothing but a consequence.”17 by ideas, but also with our poses a different solution for What is more, He forcefully lives, our deeds, and our atti- himself: Job is just and thus spoke about the need to take tude to life, that He is truly cannot suffer for his sins. up the cross (pain, illness, God for us: Good and Power- But, surprisingly, that men- etc.) in order to be his disci- ful, always and infinitely. tality continues to exist. What ples: “Without the Cross,” St. That is why nothing that hap- a child said to his sick mother Rose of Lima says, “the road pens is unbearable for those comes to my mind: to ascend to Heaven is not living in awareness of their “Mommy, how can you have found.”18 divine filiation. It may cost cancer when you pray so whatever God allows, but much?” B) The Pedagogical Meaning when his Goodness is recog- It is quite easy to rebut this of Pain: With Pain God nized, He does not cease to formulation.16 The teaching Progressively Educates manifest his Power; or, if you of Jesus Christ is clear. Men and Brings Them prefer, confidence in his When, at the sight of a blind to Maturity Power is confirmed in his man (“born in sin,” to use the We probably all have the Goodness’ being noted. If we phrase of his accusers, the experience of how pain is try to lead the life He hopes Pharisees—cf. Jn 9:34), his capable of changing people. for from men, in whatever disciples, who share that This is narrated in an interest- circumstances, even those we mentality, ask, “Master, who ing film, Speaking of Henry. would call pathetic, our hap- sinned, he or his parents, in Henry Turner is a famous and piness is guaranteed, for we order for him to be born ruthless New York lawyer will accept everything as blind?” Jesus replies, “Nei- who needs to win at all costs, coming from his hand, and, ther he nor his parents sinned, even by sacrificing his wife no matter how strange it may but it is so that the works of (whom he deceives) and his seem to some, one’s own God may be manifested in daughter. His life proceeds existence is not seen with a him” (Jn 9:3). On another amid trials and offices, dash- es and meetings, until one tence: “Pain is the megaphone cheer and courage proper to day a shot changes his life God uses to wake up a world chosen souls. forever. Unable to fend for of deaf people.”22 What a “That passed. Several himself and afflicted by great truth! We hospital chap- months after his death I felt so amnesia forcing him to redis- lains verify it almost every desperate, so alone, that I cover his family and work day. G. Thibon said that thought I was going mad. The and even learn to speak and “when man is sick, if he is not sad part was that everyone walk, He is obliged to find a rebel to the core, he realizes thought I was admirable, out the truth about an that when he was healthy, he because of my resignation and absolute stranger: himself. As neglected many essential fortitude. How far they were a result, he decides to regain things, preferring the sec- from the truth! I thought that his wife, take care of his ondary to the essential.”23 the God whom the Sisters of daughter, and do honest Teresa had taught me to love work, without trickery. C) Pain as a Trial did not exist; only a ‘tyrant’ Pain also produces maturi- and an Opportunity existed. When my husband ty. The new Catechism for Encountering God became ill, I got thoroughly explains this as follows: “Ill- This testimony by Fernan- convinced. Several days went ness may lead to anguish, to do Sánchez-Dragó is interest- by, and my attitude to God fixation upon oneself, and ing: “I was seeking Christ remain unchanged. It is true sometimes even to despair along the way of the Magi, of that I felt a great need for God and rebellion against God. It esotericism; I am finding within me, but I rejected that may also make the person Him through suffering, pain, idea without hesitation. more mature, helping one to and panic (I had undergone “That’s the way it was. 30 discern what is not essential depression), to which I am God placed a priest in my in life so as to turn back to deeply grateful, for from that path who was able to under- what is.”19 We may note that moment on I felt a happiness stand me like no one else. St. , during previously unknown to me.”24 Forgive me for saying these his imprisonment in Toledo Alexander Solzenitzyn’s things, but I have to say (nine months of extremely autobiographical account is them. With your advice, your harsh suffering), wrote some equally impressive when he patience with me, your con- of the most beautiful verse in describes the process of inte- versations, your meditations, the Spanish language: “Oh rior maturation which took and your dedication to the living flame of love that ten- place in him when he was in sick, you made me reflect. I derly wound.... Where did the Gulag archipelago: “And felt ashamed of myself; I felt you hide, Beloved, leaving it was only in the Gulag arch- like a despicable worm, and me moaning?” In this regard, ipelago, in the wretchedness there, next to the Tabernacle a patient clinically cured of of prison, when I felt the first in the chapel, I said ‘yes’ to cancer said to me, “This ill- motions of good in my interi- the Lord. I’m not lying when ness enriched me.” And, as or. It gradually became more I tell you that I want to make Frankl affirms, “the man who and more manifest to me that up for the time lost—ten has not gone through adverse the line separating good from years. Won’t you help me?”26 circumstances really does not evil does not depend on And the fact is, as Martín know himself well.” This States, social classes, or polit- Descalzo explains, “To be a psychiatrist, who was impris- ical parties, but precisely on Christian is... to know that oned in a Nazi concentration the human heart, and on all the hour of darkness is the camp, narrates his experience the hearts of men.... And I best one to see [God]. To in a beautiful book.20 He then turn back to the years of accept the truth that a pain, reaches the conclusion that my imprisonment and say— no matter how frightful, may pain can have meaning until sometimes to the astonish- be the real time in which we the final instant: “One ought ment of those around me— have to demonstrate whether not to forget the amount of ‘God bless you, prison!’”25 we love God or limit our- creativity, love, and wealth I remember the case of a selves to using Him.”27 represented by a life that is mother who, on losing her In indigence, solitude, and coming to an end. If in life son, fell into despair and suffering, the heart opens to there is an equation embrac- abandoned God; afterwards, God. When everything is ing success, money, and years later, during her hus- going well in life, it is harder shrewdness, in the world of band’s illness, she returned to to direct one’s thought to pain there are no longer suc- God. She describes this in a God. St. Augustine said, cesses as opposed to failures. letter written to the hospital “God wants to give us some- The order of values is chaplain: thing, but He cannot because changed and it is then neces- “As a result of the death of our hands are full. He has no sary to come upon the essen- my son, my life underwent a place to deposit his gifts.”28 tial meaning of human life. deep change. I offered God This is the testimony of a This enables us to deal with my son; I handed him over to great physician, Dr. Ortiz de suffering and death.”21 God joyfully; I felt proud to Landázuri, who attended to In a recent film on C.S. be the mother of that thirteen- over 500,000 patients over a Lewis, Lands of Darkness, I year-old angel who looked fifty-year period: “Illness was surprised to hear this sen- death in the face with the always teaches us a lot. I think it is undoubtable that there is one thing, at least, helped me to deal with my God will give other possibili- that we cannot say to God: illness with hope, optimism, ties to someone who passes ‘You don’t know what it is to and the certainty that I am not through life hastily, without suffer.” 31 useless, but can help many any illness, but it is clear that In a tearing, almost violent people with my prayer, with one of the ways to understand tone, this is expressed by a the serene offering of the dis- God better is illness. It is the great Spanish poet, León comforts and difficulties road which leads us to God. Felipe: which every illness brings Those who die from an acci- with it. dent, then—have they been You came to glorify tears, “It is moving to observe unable to approach God? I Not to wipe them away. the way Father Alvaro took am sure that in that case there You came to open wounds, an affectionate interest in the will be other circumstances. Not to close them. sick, knowing them by name. Any yet there is no doubt that You came to light bonfires, I believe this is explainable illness is one of the leading Not to put them out. only in terms of his life dedi- ways to arrive at that You came to say, cated to God and others, encounter.... And, in the end, “Let weeping, without ever losing peace and one is grateful for it.”29 Blood, and a smile. In his letters he had Fire run me see how he was relying D) Pain Accepted Like water!” on me and would tell me how as Solidarity he was counting on me for Elie Wiesel, a Jewish John Paul II insists that in the progress of important writer, winner of the Nobel order to understand suffering matters. He said that illness Peace Prize in 1986 and a one must look at Christ on was a ‘caress’ by God for his 31 survivor of the Auschwitz the cross out of love for men: dearest children. At the same death camp, narrates the fol- “Christ crucified is proof of time he encouraged me to lowing: “The Nazi SS hung God’s solidarity with suffer- take care of myself, to follow two men and a youth in front ing man,” since, as the Pope the advice of doctors, and ask of all the prisoners in the con- says, “God places Himself on God for my complete cure. centration camp. The men the side of man.”32 He reminded me that we are died quickly; the youth’s How great a help it is for in God’s hands and that at agony lasted for a half hour. the sick to look at Christ, every instant He wants only Behind me, a man asked, even to gaze physically at the what is best for us, and he ‘Where is God? Where?’ Crucified One! That is the asked me to offer for his When, a long while after- best way, it seems to me, to intentions everything that it wards, the youth went on suf- be able to understand, or at might cost—disturbances, a fering, hanging from the least accept, the mystery of smile, optimism, and so on. cord, I heard the man say pain. Only in this way is it “With this letter I would once more, ‘Where is God possible to come to glimpse like to encourage all sick now?’ And I heard a voice the positive value suffering people to feel serene, heart- replying within me, ‘Here. takes on in human life. I shall ened, and joyful, for their He is here. Hanged on this include here the testimony of lives are full of an immense scaffold.’” The reply which a woman with cancer who spiritual ‘usefulness’ which the Jew Wiesel heard within died at the Navarra Universi- only faith and hope can com- himself is the same one given ty Clinic. Shortly before her prehend.”33 us by the Gospel: in Jesus, death, a newspaper in her city At this point we reach the the Innocent One Crucified, published the following letter central core. Pain is under- God has made his own the from her. “I had always heard stood only in the light of death of the innocent in all that for Christians pain is Christ. “Through Christ and times, in his son, rejected and something valuable which in Christ the enigma of pain executed as an evildoer, God purifies and helps to lift one’s and death is illuminated, has shown solidarity with eyes to God, since Christ which apart from the Gospel suffering humanity: “God’s redeemed us with pain. In envelopes us in utter dark- response is in Christ, in his , which I have ness.”34 “When that divine life and death. God does not known for some time, I foundation and hope of eter- speak about suffering; He learned that ‘the sick are a nal life are lacking, human enters into suffering; He treasure’ and that their prayer dignity endures very serious becomes one of the suffering. is worth a great deal in the lesions, and the enigmas of God’s response is not an eyes of God. life and death, sin and pain, explanation, but solidarity” “For some time now—and are left unresolved, leading (F. de Mier).30 I am still young—I have been man to despair in not a few A great French poet, Paul experiencing this in my own instances.”35 Or, as John Paul Claudel, said, “God did not flesh. When I got sick, I II affirms, “Suffering is also a come to suppress suffering. wrote to the Prelate of Opus mysterious, disconcerting He did not even come to Dei at that time, the Most reality. Well then, we Chris- explain it. He came to fill it Rev. Alvaro del Portillo, ask- tians, in looking at the cruci- with his presence. Many ing him to pray for me. His fied Jesus, find the strength to things remain obscure, but letters and advice have accept this mystery. The Christian knows that, after How can I explain to You original sin, human history is my solitude always a risk; but he or she When You are raised up on also knows that God Himself the Cross and alone? has wanted to enter into our How can I explain to you pain, experience our anguish, that I lack love and undergo the agony of the When your heart is torn? spirit and the sundering of the Now I no longer remember body. Faith in Christ does not anything; suppress suffering, but illu- All my pains have fled minates, elevates, purifies, from me. and exalts it, making it valid The impetus of the memory for eternity.”36 It may be I was bearing affirmed that “the role which Drowns in my demanding God has assigned to suffering mouth. after his beloved Son took it And I ask only to ask You upon Himself is to be a sure for nothing, instrument of individual and To be here, next to your ecclesial redemption and dead image, sanctification.”37 In the letter To go on learning that pain Salvifici Doloris, devoted is just explicitly to this subject, the The holy key to your Pope points out that the mys- holy door.40 32 tery of pain is clarified in the light of faith, for pain, in the eyes of God, has an explana- B) Keys to Living tion: “To perceive the true Through Suffering response to the question in a Healthy Way about suffering, we must turn our gaze to the revelation of The Secretariat for the divine love, the ultimate Health Ministry of the Span- source of the meaning of all ish Bishops’ Conference for that exists. Love is also the 1995 prepared a splendid richest source concerning the brochure for adult catechesis meaning of suffering, which which deals with this ques- is always a mystery.”38 tion perfectly in both theory Cardinal Angelini explains and practice. It is also a good this with an interesting learning tool. I will maintain metaphor when he refers to the same framework here, the “planet of pain”: a planet though mixing together the is a heavenly body shining attitudes of the sick and the with a light which is not its healthy and adding my per- own, the light of the sun. sonal experiences. A sort of From a Christian standpoint, “decalog” will emerge to pain may be compared to a help to undergo illness. planet receiving light, purifi- cation, and value from the 1. To Eliminate Suffering mystery of Christ the As Far As Possible Redeemer.39 The Liturgy of the Hours What can be done with conveys this quite well. pain? The initial response would be to try to suppress it. In this evening, In my experience as a chap- Christ on Calvary, lain I have been greatly I come to pray to You helped by these words of for my sick flesh; Blessed Josemaría Escrivá: But, on seeing You, “Physical pain, when it can my eyes pass to and fro be removed, should be With shame from your body removed. There are enough to mine. sufferings in life! When it How can I complain about cannot be removed, it should my tired feet be offered.”41 But when it When I see yours, cannot be removed or while it destroyed? is being removed, what How can I show You should be done? Let us listen my empty hands to our bishops: “In the face of When yours are covered inevitable sufferings, believ- with wounds? ers must educate themselves in the art of suffering or prac- and more sober life, if they tice the art of solidarity, did not let themselves be which shows the beneficent trapped by envy and were face of God. The art of curing content to savor their lives cannot be reduced to a tech- without “looking out of the nical response—it must react corner of their eyes” at the in the light of patients’ life lives of others. On taking histories, using love to leave of patients, I have relieve them and hope as a sometimes heard this state- therapeutic resource.”42 But ment: “I am going after hav- one thing is clear: profession- ing been cured in body and in als must be trusted. In the Old soul”—this reflects a deci- Testament, there is a text sion to choose a healthy, applicable to this context salvific lifestyle.43 which has been inscribed at the entrance to Maimonides 2. To Accept Hospital in New York: “Turn Inevitable Suffering to the physician and follow his advice, for he is also a son Sooner or later, we all of God, who sometimes encounter inevitable suffer- enables him to perceive right- ing in life: illness, old age, ly” (Si 38:12-13). misfortune, the loss of loved This struggle also involves ones, and so on. It is the dark, an attempt to eliminate use- painful side of life, which 33 less suffering. We have reveals and is the result of already seen that a large part our radical limitation as crea- of the suffering of people is tures. We can postpone it or often generated by individu- attenuate it, but not suppress als themselves by their sins it. What should be done, then, or mistaken way of living. in the face of the inevitable? This suffering is not a “cross” One must strive to avoid which must be taken up, but justifiable attitudes which, an evil which Christ did not however, generally intensify experience and which we suffering even more, exasper- must free ourselves from, ate persons, and may lead to precisely to follow more despair. One is rebellious- faithfully in his footsteps. ness. Another attitude is anxi- The elimination of this ety: what causes suffering is unnecessary suffering is the future, above all; in this always salutary for persons state the person is emptied of and their surroundings, for energy to face the misfortune. the resentful create resent- Some fall into isolation— ment, those who live in con- they relate only to their flict with themselves create mishap; they let no one conflict, and those dissatis- relieve them. In this way it is fied with themselves create easy to destroy and annul dissatisfaction. Accordingly, oneself increasingly. Others the healthy attitude to this adopt the posture of a “vic- useless suffering is to discov- tim”: they live taking pity on er its roots and work to sup- themselves, feeling mistreat- press them; healthy “mortifi- ed always and in all things— cation” consists precisely of a person like this cannot “killing” the sin which keeps grow. us from enjoying life in a The Christian lives through healthy way. Many people suffering in communion with would enter upon a healthier the Crucified One. Suffering way of life if they freed continues to be something themselves from the egocen- negative, but precisely for trism sowing unnecessary this reason it becomes the concerns and anguish in their experience enabling one to existence, and they would live out and express radical devote themselves more gen- faithfulness to the Father erously to others if they lived with greater realism and with less attachment to truth, along with solidarity money and things—the and real love for men. In suf- source of so many frustra- fering the Christian goes on tions and vacuums—and loving and trusting in God, managed to enjoy a simpler not in a God who sends him sufferings just to make him ness, is compatible—when suffer, but in a God who is at one has faith—with a serene his side, seeking at this time, spirit of abandonment to too, what is best and most God, the Lord of life and conducive to life. In addition, death. I remember the request in suffering the Christian made by Alexia, a girl who joins with those suffering, not was nearly fifteen who died theoretically or through facile at the Navarra University words of consolation, but in a Clinic in 1985 and whose real and solidary way, sharing canonization process is now the same suffering with them. open: “Jesus, I want to get Suffering then becomes well; I want to be cured. But redemptive, for in his interior if You don’t want this, I want man can embrace the attitude whatever You want.”45 most opposed to the sin which kills. Whereas sin con- 4. Not to Enclose sists of seeking happiness Oneself in Pain selfishly, in a break with God and others, the cross consists Suffering did not harden of just the opposite: to seek Jesus or enclose Him within communion with God and Himself, but, rather, made with one’s brothers and sis- Him sensitive to the pain of ters precisely in the absence others and capable of “help- 34 of happiness. The Christian ing those who are tested” thus bears his cross not as (Heb 2:18) and of identifying one defeated, but as the bear- Himself with his suffering er of a final hope which is brothers and sisters: “I was grounded in Christ Crucified sick and you visited me” (Mt and Raised by the vivifying 25:36). Love of the Father. If patients enclose them- selves in their pain, they get 3. To Face Suffering more depressed. In the face Realistically of the risk of remaining com- pletely absorbed in their pain, We have seen that Jesus, in they must struggle to break the face of suffering, does not the circle imprisoning them. make speeches or propose It is not that they have no theories; He adopts a practi- right to complain, for com- cal attitude and passes over plaining is to some extent the earth healing (Ac 10:38), inevitable. When people do doing good. not understand clearly what The sick and those provid- is happening to them, it is ing care must adopt a holy, only natural for them to realistic attitude to suffering, protest. The Book of Judges instead of an attitude of pas- (6:1-6, 11-24), after narrating sive resignation: to fight Gideon’s vocation, recounts against pain, use all appropri- this episode. The Midianites ate means, and ask, What can were destroying the poor I do in this circumstance? Israelites. An angel appeared Experience shows that to Gideon and said, “The patients who want to be cured Lord is with you.” And and thus apply all means and Gideon replied, “Excuse me, remain optimistic and hope- but if the Lord is with us, ful have a better chance to be why has all of this come upon cured. On the other hand, us? The Lord has abandoned when patients stop fighting us and handed us over to the and get depressed, they find it Midianites.” Jesus Christ much harder. I remember Himself in the Passion seems reading this statement in Pío to complain to his Father, Baroja: “All plans for treat- “My God, my God, why have ment collapse in the face of You forsaken me?” It is true such a firm resolution to that these words belong to die.”44 And the popular adage Psalm 22:2 and are basically also states, “A sign of death a cry of confidence and aban- is not wanting to be cured.” donment to the Father’s Consequently, the desire plans. But they also show the for a cure, which is usually physical and moral suffering present until the end of an ill- which our Redeemer endured in the agony of the Cross. To to understand that life is complain to God in this way unbearable if there is no does not mean rebelliousness hope—but when you are able or disobedience—it is the to laugh, the worst never hap- complaint of a son or daugh- pens to you—and have the ter who is suffering and, in courage to overcome the situ- not understanding, protests. ation which makes you suf- Fray Luis de León offers an fer, and you, my good friend, interesting explanation: “For can do so even if you hit your suffering does not consist of head against the wall at cer- feeling that this pertains to tain moments of bad temper, those who lack sense or in but later you are able to smile not displaying how much it freely. You know, friend? hurts and what one is feeling, When I see I am unable to but, even if it hurts, and no manage on my own and get matter how much it hurts, of angry, I laugh at my bad luck not departing from God’s law and say, ‘Come on, you nut— and obedience to Him. For courage, valor, and fear. feeling is natural to the flesh, Courage to smile freely, val- which is not made of bronze; our to overcome and live and reason is thus not happily without expecting removed, which attributes to anything in return, and fear each thing what its nature so as not to fall into despair. requires; and the sensible part Come on, you nut; life is 35 shows itself to be tender and yours—don’t ruin it.’ I then very soft; when it is wound- see I can feel like a person, ed, it is necessary for one to even if I know nothing at all, feel, and, on feeling, there and I laugh at my nerves, and appears the moan and the it is amusing to know you are complaint.”46 useless, but you are able to But during illness the admit it and be a clown or bonds linking people are not a waltz in bed to the broken. It may be the occa- music my sister hums, since I sion for getting in touch with can’t dance standing up. other patients, for opening Even if I am in a wheelchair, oneself deeply to others and, I forget myself and love, love therefore, for helping them. with all my being, and see In this regard, I recall the that I am thus nothing, but letter which a patient, Lour- that nothing is enough for me des, wrote to another patient, to be and live happily. whose friend she had “Iñaki, good friend, do not become. Lourdes has been despair if you find yourself in deaf since birth and is dis- bad shape now because I am abled in all her members (she sure you can overcome the cannot walk or eat by herself worst that may happen to and moves in a wheelchair); you, and one day your hand she communicates by way of will revive, and you will race an electric machine alongside with the January wind, since her wheelchair which she we have the best ally, Christ, operates by using the index and He never fails—believe finger on her right hand. She me. If your hand hurts, scold wrote the letter to a patient it; tell it that until it revives, it who, after a bicycle accident, is not your friend, that when was left with his arm disabled it stops slumbering and and lost the capacity to race. moves like a worm, the two “This afternoon I opened of you will have a chat, but in the book The Way at random the meantime it should leave and read the following sen- you alone. Courage, Iñaki; tence: ‘Now there are tears. It life is yours; don’t ruin it! hurts, doesn’t it? Of course it Courage, valour, and fear.”47 does! That’s exactly why they hit you there.’ On read- 5. To Fill Suffering ing this—I don’t know with Love why—I thought of you, friend. To interrupt your bril- Jesus accepts suffering and liant career as a cyclist hurts takes it on realistically as an you more than the pain of occasion for showing his love your numb hand. You’ve got and complete abandonment in the Father and his love for 6. To Accompany, Listen to, men. On the Cross, He is Comprehend, concerned about his Mother and Welcome the Sick (“Son, here is your Mother”), forgives his hangmen The Secretariat for the (“Father, forgive them, for Health Ministry prepared a they know not what they holy card for the Day of the do”), and receives the Sick which contained the fol- entreaty of the good thief lowing text. (“Today you shall be with me “Lord, Jesus, the Good in Paradise”). Samaritan, emerging from To fill and transcend pain the breast of the Father to with love is, it has been said, travel the roads of human the most beautiful miracle of suffering. Close friend, who the Christian faith. Perhaps it loved with no limit and with is not easy to obtain, but it is your love beamed out life and worth a try. One thing, of hope everywhere. Infuse course, is clear: when people your feelings and attitudes love, all sacrifices are accept- into us so that we will go out ed. As a Kikuyo proverb each day to encounter those teaches, “When a friend is suffering, without avoiding living on the mountaintop, them. Educate our eyes, our the climb becomes easier.” minds, and our hearts; sharp- 36 And the fact is that when one en our sensitivity; make our truly loves, suffering is noted hearing attentive again, so less. I recall the example of a that we may spread encour- patient, a good Christian, agement in the midst of who was going to receive affliction, relief in the midst very painful treatment. She of all suffering, and life in the had a daughter in an African midst of death. Amen.” country who was doing To accompany the sick intense apostolic work and means to remain at their side usually asked her for prayers; without imposing anything; when the time came for treat- to place oneself on their ment, she gripped the railing level; even to understand that on the bed and say, “Lord, I they have a right to be offer it to you for my daugh- unbearable; it would be ter’s work in Zaire.” She later absurd to seek to give lessons remarked to me, “Would you without remaining open con- believe that it didn’t hurt at stantly. The sick immediately all?” grasp whether they are visit- Moreover, suffering gener- ed out of courtesy, compas- ates peace. Pope John Paul II sion, or friendship. The expresses it this way, “The friends of Job spend seven believer knows that, in asso- days and seven nights at his ciating himself with the suf- side without saying a word, ferings of Christ, he becomes seeing the atrociousness of an authentic artificer of his suffering (Job 2:13), but peace. It is an unfathomable later, on becoming untimely mystery whose fruits clearly consolers, they provoke his appear in the history of the irritation and finally get Church and especially in the angry with each other. lives of the saints. If there is It is also appropriate to lis- suffering which provokes ten to patients—not only to death, there is also, in God’s their words, but to the lan- plan, suffering leading to the guage of their gestures, conversion and transforma- looks, and silences. There are tion of man’s heart (cf. 2 Co people who are unable to 7:10)—it is the suffering remain silent. which, as a completion in one’s own flesh of ‘what is 7. Help People lacking’ to Christ’s Passion Find a Meaning (cf. Col 1:24), is transformed to Their Pain into a motive for and source of joy, for it generates life Pain, which appears as a and peace.”48 mystery, has meaning only from the standpoint of the divine plan, which relies on it to effect Redemption. To help ness much more. I believe I the sick to find a meaning to have already stated that what pain is a way for them to is important in illness is to endure it in a healthy manner. discover its ‘meaning.’ Now But it must be done gently then, to find that through my and patiently, with respect for illness I share more intensely the rhythm proper to illness, and truly in the passion of which, when accepted as a Jesus has been the primordial reality that one is obliged to source of my hope and joy. I undergo (without asking if it want to proclaim that the idea is a heavier burden than that that illness is really ‘redemp- of others), proves to be more tive’ is not a theological advantageous. cliché, but radically true. It Luis de Moya, the will clarify—so as not to fall tetraplegic priest mentioned into mistaken masochism— above, stated in an interview, that what God wants from us “In these four years of injury is not our pain, but our love; I have had more delicate peri- but it is quite certain that one ods and, of course, more of the main ways we can unpleasant ones, and every demonstrate our love to Him day I face annoying and is by uniting ourselves pas- undesirable moments. But sionately to his cross and to similar things occur to all his work of redemption. In a humans. Physically, I suffer word, what else do we men 37 more than the average. How- possess to contribute to this ever, I would not like to task?”50 exaggerate. In human terms, I also have many reasons for 9. To Suffer to Fight joy as a result of my work Against Suffering and my family, for example. What I have decided is to A man worthy of this name accept the situation I have cannot ignore those who suf- been given to live through, fer. On the contrary, a healthy which seems to me very good life will always be oriented in order to manifest my loyal- towards removing suffering ty to God.”49 from the lives of others. The healthy person knows that he 8. Suffering Purifies Our has no right to be happy with- Relationship with God out others or over against others, for the human mode We have already remarked of seeking happiness is to that suffering brings maturity seek it for all. and is the occasion for deep- From this struggle against ening the experience of God. injustice and abuse generat- This is what happened to Job. ing suffering and pain in so Suffering, with the conceal- many people and from this ment of God, enabled him to effort to mitigate or alleviate encounter the divine mystery the inevitable results of ill- and confess, “I knew you ness, misfortune, or death, only from what I heard, but there will always emerge suf- now my eyes have seen you” fering which it is necessary to (Job 42:26). suppress, as the price and Many patients, when the consequence of our will to illness is over, reflect this combat evil. We could all same experience. Martín avoid many sufferings, bitter Descalzo has written, “Only experiences, and personal the crucible of anguish has troubles for ourselves. It allowed my faith to multiply would suffice to close our and be purified. Curiously, I eyes to the suffering of others have even experienced this in and enclose ourselves selfish- its effects. Now, when I speak ly in our world. But this of Christ, people believe would be very costly—by more in what I say, for they ceasing to love and being less now know quite well that human. In this regard, it is what I am saying is not non- wonderful to discover the sense. But if illness illumi- vigor of the phenomenon of nates my faith, I must add voluntary service in our time. that faith illuminated my ill- Thousands of thousands of people, the young and the not above all, because I fear that, canto del siervo doliente (Is. 53), a brochure (Madrid: Mundo Cristiano, so young, willingly give part if God took my illness away 1994). of their time and their energy from me, He would be 17 The Catechism of the Catholic to cooperate in social projects depriving me of one of the Church, no. 1505. 18 Liturgy of the Hours, IV, 1131. and care of the sick, addicted, few good things I have: my 19 Catechism..., no. 1501. disabled, and others. possibility of collaborating 20 El hombre en busca de sentito, with Him more intimately, (; Herder, 1977. 21 DELISLE-LAPIERRE, I., Vivir el 10. To Pray in Illness more truly. I do ask Him to morir, (Madrid: Paulinas, 1986), p. 46. help me bear illness joyfully; 22 LEWIS, C. S., El problema del Jesus Christ found the I ask Him to make it fruitful, dolor, o.c., p. 97. 23 Interview in the journal Palabra strength in prayer to accept for me not to ruin it because (Madrid 1970), p. 99-104. the sufferings of the Passion: of my selfishness or need for 24 OLAIZOLA, J. L., Más allá de la “Father, if it is possible, let affection. But for Him not to muerte, (Barcelona: Planet, 1994), p. 213. this cup pass from me, but take it away from me. To 25 MUGGERIDGE, M., Conversión, Un may your will, not mine, be remain, to live in the Garden viaje espiritual, (Madrid: Rialp, 1992), done” (Mt 26:39). And on the is not a pleasure, but it is a p. 104. 26 Letter to a chaplain at the Universi- cross He placed Himself gift, perhaps the only one ty Clinic. entirely in the hands of his which, at the end of my life, I 27 Razones desde la otra orilla, (Madrid: Atenas, 1994), p. 61. Father: “Father, into your can place in his hands as a 28 53 Cf. LEWIS, C. S., El problema del hands I entrust my spirit” (Lk Father.” dolor, p. 100. 23:46). These are some sugges- 29 ORTIZ DE LANDËZURI, E., the jour- But, to pray in illness— tions I can offer to patients nal Nuestro Tiempo, (, 1989), p. 27. Cf. LÓPEZ ESCOBAR E. and isn’t that too much? No. It is and those accompanying LOZANO BARTOLOZZI, P., Eduardo Ortiz 38 fitting to turn to God with the them to help them to live de Landázuri, (Madrid: Palabra, 1993). different forms of prayer through this “time of grace,” 30 JURêO, P., Palabra viva, La verdad (Diocesan Weekly Newspaper), Pam- taught by Christian piety. incomprehensible but very plona, Spain, April 10-16, 1995, p. 2. One observation: it is not effective, which is illness. 31 CLAUDELL, P., in GAFO, J., Eutana- good to show anxiousness sia, el derecho a una muerte digna, (Madrid: Temas de Hoy, 1989), p. 22. when patients manifest a lack MIGUEL ANGEL MONGE 32 Cruzando el umbral de la esperan- of desire for prayer, which Chaplain at the University za, (Barcelona: Plaza-Janés, 1994), p. they sometimes interpret as a Clinic in Navarra, Spain 79. 33 RUEDA F., Una caricia de Dios, chilling of their relationship Guadalajara 2000, April 8, 1994. with God. That is not usually 34 Vatican II, Gaudium et Spes, no. the case. Just as people no 22. 35 Ibid., no. 21. longer feel like eating or 36 Allocution, March 24, 1979. amusing themselves, so they 37 CUADRADO TAPIA, A., Los enfer- lose their desire for prayer. It 1 Cf. OLIVERA SANCHEZ, A., Lo difi- mos nos evangelizan, (Madrid: San cil es vivir (El hospital por dentro), Pablo, 1993), p. 51. is appropriate to recommend (Madrid: Ed. Atenas, 1993). All kinds 38 Apostolic Exhortation, Salvifici short prayers and acts of faith of experiences encountered by a hospi- Doloris, no. 13. and abandonment to God, tal chaplain are described. 39 Cf. Quel soffio sulla creta, (Vati- 2 ROJAS, E., Una teoría de la felici- can, 1990), p. 147. even if it is not possible to dad, (Madrid; Dossat, 1986), p. 283- 40 Liturgy of the Hours, Hymn of say one’s usual prayers. 304. Vespers, Friday, First Week. There must be prayer of 3 Apostolic Exhortation Salvifici 41 HERRANZ, G., Palabras de Mons. Doloris, (February 11, 1984) no 5. Escrivá de Balaguer a médicos y enfer- entreaty, for oneself as well. 4 Cf. JOHN PAUL II, Crossing the mos, (Pamplona: EUNSA, 1978), p. 25. Is it appropriate to ask for Threshold of Hope. 42 Cf. Carta Pastoral de los Obispos, 5 Cf. Encyclical Evangelium Vitae, o.c., no. 52. one’s cure? That has always 43 March 25, 1995, no 3. Ibid., nos. 50-51. been done in Christian life. 6 ASTUDILLO, W. ET AL., Cuidados 44 Las inquietudes de Santi Andía, p. “Through the prayer of del enfermo en fase terminal y atención 311. a su familia, (Pamplona: EUNSA, 45 Cfr. MONGE, M. A., Alexia, alegría entreaty we show awareness 1995). y heroísmo en la enfermedad, (Madrid: of our relationship with God; 7 Pastoral Letter of the Bishops of Palabra, 1989), translated into Italian, because we are creatures, we Pamplona-Tuleda, , San English, Portuguese, Polish and Chi- Sebastián and Victoria, Al servicio de nese. are not our own origin or the una vida más humana, (Lent-Easter 46 Expos. del libro de Job, chapter 3. masters of our adversities or 1992, no. 17. 47 Letter of a patient. our ultimate end; but, 8 ESCRIVË DE BALAGUER, Es Cristo 48 Message for the World Day of the que pasa, 23rd. edition (Madrid, 1986) Sick, February 11, 1995, in Ecclesia because we are sinners, we no. 168. 2723 (1995), 197; for the Pope’s teach- also know, as Christians, that 9 Encyclical Evangelium Vitae, no. ing on this subject, see MONGE, M. A., we separate ourselves from 15. Suffering in the Magisterium of John 10 Pastoral Letter..., op.cit. n. 52. Paul II, in Labor Hospitalaria, 235 our Father. Entreaty is 11 Razones para vivir, Cuadernos de (1995) 90-93. 52 already a return to Him.” apuntes, IV, (Madrid: Atenas, 1991), p. 49 MOYA L., o.c. There are wonderful exam- 56. 50 Reflexiones de un enfermo en torno 12 The problem of pain, (Madrid: al dolor y la enfermedad, in Congreso ples of people who do not do Rialp, 1994), p. 68. de las Hospitalidades Españolas Nues- so. I include the testimony of 13 ESCRIVË DE BALAGUER, Es Cristo tra Señora de Lourdes, El Escorial Martín Descalzo: “Let me que pasa, 23rd. edition (Madrid, 1986) (November 1990), p. 16. p. 56 51 SOLA, F., Voluntariado cristiano y confess to you in simplicity 14 MICHEL QUOIST, as quoted in REV. mundo de la salud, (Madrid: PPC, that I never ask God to cure PURROY MERINO, Cómo superar el 1991) my illness. I do not ask for dolor, (Santiago de Chile 1985), p. 5. 52 Catechism of the , 15 Interview with OROZCO, A.A.L. DE no. 2629. this because it seems to me MOYA, (February 1995). 53 Reflexiones de un enfermo, o.c., p. an abuse of confidence; but, 16 Cf. VARÓ, F, ¿Por qué sufrir?, El 16. Testimony

39

The Most Reverend Jorge Martinez: Bishop and Pastor for Health (Mexico)

Facts and Proposals in Health Care: A Report by the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile The Most Reverend Jorge Martínez: Bishop and Pastor for Health

1. Episcopal Vicar for example, the training pro- from the recent death of an for the Health Sector: gram for Extraordinary Min- epileptic child who, accord- 1986-1994 isters of the Eucharist. He ing to the statements by a well knew that the value to prayer group, “had been During Advent 1986, Bish- be preserved was the unity freed from an unclean spirit” op Jorge Martínez, in obedi- and homogeneity of candi- and who, since he had been ence to Cardinal Corripio, dates and extraordinary min- prohibited from resuming agreed to assume responsibil- isters throughout the Arch- treatment with medicines for ity for the Health Ministry diocese. He accepted criti- the crises caused by his ill- Vicariate, which had recently cisms, just as he courageous- ness, had tragically died. been created. ly taught us to withdraw Bishop Martínez remarked, The Most Rev. Francisco before arguing about power “There are many roads to María Aguilera, who had pre- and control. His motto was arrive at the Father, but for a 40 viously exercised this min- “Listen, reflect, and work as lot of people the only road is istry, had been freed from far as you can; God will do stupidity, and perhaps they this responsibility after work- the rest.” never set out upon it.” And ing since the foundation in He newly marked out the he remained in silence for the 1976 of the Hospital Min- characteristics of pastoral rest of the car trip. He was istry, which then became the workers in health, who were saying the . Health Ministry of the Arch- then active at sixty hospitals. All the pastoral workers diocese of Mexico. He was always concerned and hospital and team coordi- The first objective of a about the spirituality of the nators always found in Bish- major plan developed by members of the Health Vic- op Martínez a person in Bishop Martínez in 1987 was ariate, reinforcing encounters whom they could confide and dedication to the theological in Advent and the Lenten who was always ready to and pastoral bases for this Exercises. hear them out. In this ministry. He traced out once He succeeded in an act of instance, something quite again the purpose of the reconciliation which had curious happened. Most of Health Vicariate, its func- appeared impossible, initiat- the workers and coordinators tions, limits, and possibilities, ing dialogue with radical were women. Since phone using great prudence and groups in the charismatic calls and visits to his resi- bearing in mind the difficult, renewal movement who were dence daily increased, the complex reality of the Arch- working on a “pirate” basis at Bishop’s sisters made a great diocese. I remember the far- over twenty hospitals. With fuss. On one occasion, he ranging discussions and goodness and patience he made a funny quip which meetings to determine the was able to correct the aber- enabled me to glimpse the human and pastoral resources rations in “laying-on of limpidity of his priestly available at that time. hands,” “anointing with celibacy: “I don’t know how, Once the situation had blessed vinegar,” and “pseu- but when these women come, been studied in depth and the do-exorcisms” which were you’ve got to come first; in problems posed had begun to being conducted without that way we, the ‘two be faced, he more clearly for- control and bordered on the Georges,’ can dominate the mulated the objectives to be absurd and, sometimes, on ‘dragon’ unleashed by the reached in a reasonable peri- heresy. For many hours and female jealousy of my sis- od of time. He contributed to, days he just listened very ters.” corrected, and spurred on patiently, without judging In the agreements and existing projects and pro- anyone. He seemed to want meetings of the Bishops’ grams, always showing max- to forgive those shouting at College of the Archdiocese, imum respect for the persons him to kneel down in front of he always sought reconcilia- involved. them, for, according to these tion in the tough problems in He skillfully engaged in “madmen,” Bishop Martínez many pastoral fields, going defining the work of the was not full of the Holy Spir- so far as to yield to self- Health Vicariate in relation to it and “they would give him assertive whims rather than the Territorial Vicariates. true baptism and the outpour- offend people, to the point of Silently and unpolemically, ing of the Spirit.” I recall one sacrificing projects and pro- he observed and rectified evening among the many we grams of the Health Vicari- some previous programs in spent together when he told ate, enormously limiting the health area, restructuring, me about the problem arising progress in the areas of train- ing workers and Extraordi- From 1987 to 1989, seemed a small and easily nary Ministers of the approximately, he brought achieved matter, but those of Eucharist. I remember his out almost 45 key books on us who have seen and accom- face every time the Health the health ministry, amount- panied him discerned in the Vicariate had to end a pro- ing to a book per month, Bishop a real master in gram at once and his words: which broadened the theo- assigning to each aspect its “Observe and keep it to your- logical and pastoral horizon. proper place and importance, self. Be silent and pray for With many he shared his without giving precedence to me so that I can see the road desire for knowledge, his other persons, situations, or to follow from now on.” Not zeal as a self-taught person, problems. He taught us how one critical remark or com- and his methodical life of to move prudently within the mentary in opposition to study. He did not waste time. national parameters of the what had happened, whether He used car trips to converse Conference and in the broad or not he was right. on a topic or theological perspective of the Primatial He experienced great sor- notion he was studying. He Archdiocese of Mexico. row over the discourtesy of a liked confrontation to gain radical group of nursing sis- deeper insight and improved ters who, seeking to manipu- knowledge, sharing and hear- 2. President of the late him for their own pur- ing out other viewpoints on Bishops’ Commission poses, tried to splinter dioce- theological and spiritual on the Health Ministry, san unity in the health min- problems. 1986-1994 istry. I clearly recall that His zeal and dedication to awful meeting, where Bishop spiritual direction and This responsibility of the Martínez listened and man- progress were a major contri- Bishop is little known and 41 aged to intuit the real power- bution to the health ministry. may have gone unnoticed by seeking intentions behind the In a world which he felt was many who were acquainted discussion. At a critical junc- daily growing more and more with him, because from the ture, when absurd requests secularized, in silence and outset he clearly separated were being made, the Bishop intimacy the Bishop straight- this task, entrusted to him by got up and said, “I think we ened out and guided souls his brother bishops of Mexi- all need some tea and bis- towards rediscovering a co, during an Ordinary Gen- cuits.” He headed for the sense of God and the divine eral Assembly in 1986. kitchen to prepare things per- will in lives markedly strick- Though the Health Vicari- sonally and served the en by neopaganism. He ate and the nascent Health refreshments before the always defended the spiritual Ministry Department of the astonished eyes of the reli- care of souls, with the tradi- Conference were apparently gious. After the tea break, he tional methods of Ignatian connected, given their role in said, “We shall now say the spirituality. He did not like serving and promoting pas- Rosary for the sick.” The sis- innovations, saying, “Noth- toral care in health, they rep- ters said they had to go, and, ing new, after what Our Lord resented two very different once we were left alone, he said down there in Galilee.” universes, with highly diver- simply said, “Will you His writings, two volumes of gent—I would even say accompany me?” And, memoirs, already published, “opposing”—problems. kneeling, he began the Holy and a third one soon to He called the new Depart- Rosary. appear, are in reality a spiri- ment “the baby in the cradle” I could not believe it, per- tual summa for contemporary and really treated it like a sonally. From the summit of spiritual theology. It is the neonate. He did not force it to his authority, he could just diary of a priestly soul that, run, for, in his words, “it isn’t have said “no.” But the Bish- on seeing itself before God, walking yet, and, what is op opted for Mary’s “yes.” confesses itself to be sinful more, can’t; if it does so, it From that day on there is no and beseeches only the grace falls.” He began work mod- question that he showed his to be saved. estly to serve his brother filial love for Our Lady, giv- An important fact which bishops. Almost twelve ing it precedence over his few perceive is that the Bish- drafts of the original Plan for passions and feelings. Many op, beginning in 1986, was Work were drawn up, but people who knew him got the given by his brothers in the none of them possessed the impression he was not doing Mexican Bishops’ Confer- requisites for approval, in anything, but at the bottom of ence the responsibility for view of the Bishop’s future- his heart the Bishop respect- starting the work of the Con- oriented projections. ed all and did not want to ference’s nascent Health Problems were never lack- wound anyone, and for this Ministry Department, subor- ing during the first four years reason he chose to appear dinate to the Bishops’ Com- of the Department. Apparent- weak and indecisive. Only a mission for Social Ministry, ly, nothing was done, but few of us perceived his real headed at that time by the what few know is that a strength, just as we often per- Most Rev. Carlos Talavera. framework was created of ceived God’s creativity and He always observed the lim- papers and commissions the fatherly, provident hand its between the diocesan and thanks to a project success- of God. national jurisdictions. It fully completed: The Health Ministry Directory. Fourteen stipulated by the Statutes, but said good-bye. On the morn- experts were brought togeth- he headed a Department for ing of January 3, I received a er. Twenty-three drafts were two terms and an indepen- call from the Bishop’s older drawn up for a Plan to struc- dent Commission for another sister, María de la Luz, who, ture a Directory which was two: “It’s the same thing, the sobbing and very upset, said intended to display the differ- same ‘baby,’ but this ‘baby’ to me, “Monsignor, I found ent elements in the health is now walking.” And he my brother on the bathroom ministry. This undertaking served his brother bishops for floor, in the middle of a pool was the first of its kind in the eight consecutive years. He of blood. So began the Via world. I recall the great sur- published the journal Dolen- Crucis of a priestly soul, prise of the Roman Office for tium. Church and Health in experienced with a long ter- the Health Ministry, headed Mexico and wrote number- minal illness. by Cardinal Angelini, when less articles on the Health Many tests followed his the drafts of the text were Ministry. When forced, he first hospitalization. The case received. Bishop Martínez often delivered addresses. He sheet initiated years before, was called to Rome to pre- would say, “You wish to hear when he was the spiritual sent the published book, but and see the Bishop for father at the Conciliar Semi- he asked us to represent him, Health. Well, here I am, even nary of Mexico, was now arguing that he was not a if I’m not healthy.” added to. He had suffered “migratory bird.” In his name One day he prophesied his with an ulcer and undergone we thus received the Pro terminal illness to the assem- a painful operation which Ecclesia Medal. He did not bly of nursing sisters: “I had halved his stomach. want the award to be made come to greet you today as a Long months of research 42 known until he privately father who has been asked to were needed to identify the gave it to a nursing sister say Mass, but who will come origin of the malady. who, after having devoted to greet you very soon as one Finally, six months later, her whole life to the care of of your patients.” the first diagnosis emerged: the elderly sick, deserved it On December 12, 1991, “possible osseous metastasis; more than he did for having almost twenty days later, he impossibility of locating the written “a very incomplete became ill and began his Via primary tumour.” I remember little book which can be Crucis on January 3, 1992. that he asked me to be pre- improved upon.” sent when his specialist, Dr. He faced serious difficul- Javier Skinfield, read and ties in the Health Ministry 3. Bishop Martínez, explained the results of the Department because of high- a “Sick Father biopsy. We then remained in ly controversial problems, Who Is About to Die” silence, and in the car, on the like AIDS and pastoral care way back to his sisters’ of the HIV positive. He I have wished to place house, he said a few words reflected for many hours these words, pronounced by which forced my lips and before drafting the pastoral the Bishop himself, in this heart into a painful silence: letter on this topic and the third part of his journey into “Not a word about this to problematic of condom use. the world of pain, sickness, anyone, until I’m dead. I will His posture led to his receiv- and death. With deep respect say what they may know.” ing harsh criticism from Con- and love for his memory I The prognosis was for just saida, the Ministry of Health, write these words. May God six months of life, and an and other organisms. Curi- help me to be faithful to what operation, which was, more- ously, all the proposals pub- really happened. over, very difficult, was lished by the Bishop in 1990 I clearly recall the evening urgent. From that day on the and fiercely criticized were of January 1, 1992, a day of Bishop gave me the privilege accepted by the National great joy for the Bishop, who, of walking together with him Health Council, beginning in as was his custom, had cele- along the hard road of a ter- the summer of 1994. Bishop brated Mass in the “Town of minally ill person. Martínez, now terminally ill, the Magdalene,” Petlacalco, Many events took place remarked, “Well, at least we at the Parish of St. Thomas which displayed the limpidi- weren’t wrong, and perhaps the Apostle on Ajusco Hill. ty of a soul that accepted the we even went further.” At the home of his friend will of God and united itself Collegiality with his broth- Pacho he ate turkey and rice. to the suffering of Christ Cru- er bishops was a characteris- As usual, the Bishop chatted cified, helped by a great love tic of his, beginning with the happily and laughed with the for Our Lady. Between Janu- Episcopal Commission. He parishioners and close friends, ary 1992 and May 1994 the knew his limits and foresaw the Nava family, which, along Bishop entered the hospital that his physical strength with the pastor, Fr. Nestor on eleven occasions and would not sustain him. He Pérez, had prepared a simple experienced in his own flesh could not give up, however, lunch. As we returned to the the devastating effects of and was re-elected for four home of his sisters, we chemotherapy and radiother- successive terms, a unique remarked that we needed a apy. instance in the history of the few days of real rest. After He suffered from a patho- Bishops’ Conference, not having planned on them, we logical fracture of the left thigh bone which left him years and seven months had God’s paternity fully, receiv- disabled until the end. At first transpired since the start of ing Holy Baptism, being the metastasis advanced the Via Crucis, lived out joined to the death and resur- slowly, but in the last three intensely with God the rection of Jesus Christ. This months, very quickly. The Father, for me a privilege and Catholic family, resident in pains he suffered were a real school of the cross and the capital, received the numerous and varied. I am a of suffering, which deeply responsibility of sowing mute witness to the memoirs revealed to me the mystery of Christian values in the little he wrote in the course of the redemption, which I would child and prudently watching last six months of his life, never have thought the Lord over the development of that after having interrupted them would call me to serve. I kept joyful boy full of life. There for almost twenty months at the last promise made to the followed the hard, demand- the start of radiotherapy. All Bishop as I placed his body ing years of the early maturi- of us who were close to the in the coffin: “Don’t let them ty of the young Jorge, who, Bishop observed that pain have me die away from my under the protection of Our relievers and drugs blocking house; take what remains of Lady of Carmel, would pain were useless against the me and pray for your sinful encounter his call to the torments induced by a now namesake.” priesthood in the church at terminal cancer. Student Square in the city The Bishop, after a very center. dark spiritual night from the 4. In Memoriam Once at the Conciliar standpoint of his disability, Seminary, under the guid- celebrated the Eucharist At 1:20 a.m. on August 1, ance of Monsignor Guiller- almost every day. Close to 1994, as an intense rain, mo Schulemburg, he was 43 his room a little private accompanied by wind and sent to study in Rome. That chapel was prepared where lightning, fell upon Mexico joyful heart called to the full- he celebrated the Eucharist City, in a little house of the ness of love received solemn and spent long periods in Valle colony two eyes closed consecration to the priestly prayer before the Sacrament. on this world and opened to ministry on a beautiful A very important fact is that contemplate the face of God, morning of October 26, on June 27, 1994, almost four our Father. A heart ceased to 1958, with the ordination of days before his definitive beat after 77 years lived in Father Jorge, or, as we encounter with God, the the tireless search for the always called him, “Don Bishop concelebrated the mystery of God in this earth- Jorge.” Eucharist of the Votive Mass ly reality and beyond, and Don Jorge always kept to of Viaticum with Cardinal after 36 intense years of himself the experiences of his Ernesto Corripio Ahumada. priestly life, joined to 23 first years as a priest. An The altar was prepared close years of the fullness of the indisputable characteristic of to his room. The Cardinal priesthood in the episcopate. his personality was the presided at the Eucharistic A body exhausted in almost humility which gave rise to celebration, and Bishop two years and nine months of many anecdotes which his Martínez assisted in silence, a long, cruel illness which recently published memoirs with a white stole over his destroyed his body but at the do not include. Doubtless, pajama. At the end of the same time reinforced his spir- one he kept with great tender- Cardinal’s homily the Bishop it waited to be robed for the ness was his catching three added a profession of priestly last time in the sacred episco- buses every morning at dawn faith and renewed his priestly pal vestments. The Most to go and celebrate Mass in a promises during the Reverend Jorge Martínez had chaplaincy for women reli- Eucharistic prayer: “We pray died, of gious who had given him this for Pope John Paul, for our... Macomades Rusticiana and responsibility. [he was deeply moved and Episcopal Vicar of the Eighth Named spiritual father at continued with tears in his Pastoral Zone, and also the Conciliar Seminary, he eyes] brother Ernesto, to Emeritus Auxiliary Bishop of reinforced practice and disci- whom I owe obedience, and our Archdiocese. pline in his life. Just as we for me, your unworthy and Numerous images and rec- knew him, Don Jorge was useless servant.” These heart- ollections come to mind always the same, attentive to rending words are his testa- which sustained the fragility every detail, a respectful ment for all of us who partic- of my sentiments when it was observer, master, and father ipate in the priesthood of time to say “good-bye.” Of for many, even during the Jesus Christ: “Obedient, his ten brothers and sisters prolonged, painful illness, unworthy, useless servants.” only Maria de la Luz sur- which reduced his everyday How much truth and how vives. How distant was that occupations. “Two-and-a- much sanctity in these words October 23, 1917 when the half years of immobility have of a dying bishop who with numerous Martínez family increased my limitations, but all his heart spurs us to be welcomed the last of their have not caused my desire to faithful to our call and our children, Jorge, in the Santa write down my little annota- service. María la Redonda district. A tions, bits of nonsense, and On August 1, 1994 two few days later he experienced eccentricities to disappear.” From the moment of his Episcopal Vicar for the try?” His reply, which I con- episcopal ordination on July Eighth Zone, as Episcopal serve in my heart, gave me 16, 1971, his love for Our Vicar for Health, and as courage during the toughest Lady marked the rest of his Chairman of the Episcopal moments in the preparation life. On March 10 he com- Commissions for Social Min- and celebration of the Fourth mented, “...After a bad night istry, the Health Ministry, and World Day of the Sick, on a normal day: it’s impossi- Caritas, not to mention his “From Tepeyac to the ble to sleep when you feel final effort in the Diocesan World”: “It is humanly pain, though not acute.... I Synod. His whole life of self- impossible; we couldn’t have offer the night to the Most giving may be summarized in such a great responsibility. Blessed Virgin, who has his words on April 3, 1994, No doubt it is licit to dream, helped me to spend it awake Easter Sunday: “...Here, and remember that for God and in prayer.” everything is grace, for my nothing is impossible. But The Auxiliary Bishop of weakness in the face of pain if—may this not be God’s both Archbishop Miguel is complete. If I consider will—it is your lot to assume Darío Miranda and Archbish- seriously, I am sure the Lord responsibility for this part of op Ernesto Corripio, his will help me.” the cross of suffering, Our whole life was a complete, Undoubtedly, Bishop Mar- Lady will help you.” unconditional model of self- tínez, on the basis of his life The forthcoming publica- giving. His faithfulness and experience so close to tion of his memoirs (Spiritual his obedience to God and to Christ’s passion, glimpsed Diary), covering his last ten his superiors are an example the great event we celebrated years of episcopal ministry, for many. Every mission he on February 11, 1996, the will undoubtedly be an inex- 44 assumed responsibility for Fourth World Day of the haustible source of spiritual was a mission he struggled to Sick. On occasion I would life for every priest or Christ- fulfill and carry out, in both mention it to him as a dream: ian placing all hope in the the Archdiocese and the “Your Excellency, and what grace of God the Father, full Mexican Bishops’ Confer- if Cardinal Angelini were to of affection and mercy. ence. It remains for history to come to Mexico and it were judge his work as Rector of possible to hold the World Rev. JORGE A. PALENCIA the Conciliar Seminary, as Day of the Sick in our coun- Secretary of the Mexican Bishops’ Commission for the Health Ministry

The World of Health: Facts and Proposals A Report by the Medical School of the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile for the Ninth Diocesan Synod of Santiago de Chile

Antecedents demonstrated by the broad active, effective ministry in magisterium of John Paul II the health field in our coun- The Medical Faculty of the (e.g., Salvifici Doloris, 1984; try. Pontifical Catholic Universi- Dolentium Hominum, 1985) ty of Chile, which includes and many other documents c) The fact that health is an two schools, Nursing and related to medical congresses area with profound signifi- Medicine, in July 1995 asked and healthcare institutions cance and repercussions for to take part officially in the issued by the Church in Latin formation and the manifesta- process of Synodal analysis America and Chile (The tion and life experience of in the area of health policy Health Ministry in the Latin Gospel values. and care. The institutional American and National decision to take part was Church, Second Latin Amer- d) The clear and explicit based on the following con- ican and Caribbean Meeting, teaching of Jesus, which siderations, in addition to the , 1994; Aspects of enables us to say that in a university’s status as a Pastoral Care in Health, church or ecclesiastical insti- Catholic center of learning. Archdiocese of Santiago, tution where there is no spe- 1976, etc.). cial, distinctive concern for a) The Church’s special human suffering the sub- interest in the topic, as b) An evident lack of stance of the Master’s teach- ing is not recognizable. have appeared if divergent growth. Though they explicit- The organizers accepted fields had been placed ly declare they have faith, the request to take part in the together. when they are faced with Synod, and the Faculty of The following ten Com- pain, a lack of consistency Medicine was added to a missions were constituted. between this declaration and Commission on which six- 1) Doctors and professors their way of experiencing teen groups working in direct at the School of Medicine. pain appears. contact with suffering under 2) Nurses and professors at Health professionals do different aspects were repre- the School of Nursing. not help patients to change sented and which was 3) Medical students. this perspective, inasmuch as chaired by Rev. Baldo Santi. 4) Nursing students. they, too, experience suffer- 5) Nursing auxiliaries. ing in a similar framework. 6) Religious and conse- A sense of guilt is deeply Organization crated persons doing hospital rooted in our culture. and Methodology work. Patients and health personnel for the Work Undertaken 7) Medical researchers. tend to interpret illness as a 8) Technical personnel at punishment, especially if the The Faculty of Medicine the hospital laboratories. pathology in question is gave its Secretariat for Chris- 9) Pastoral workers at the attributed to personal abuses tian and Pastoral Formation hospital from Chilean Cari- (hepatic cirrhosis from responsibility for organizing tas. excessive alcohol consump- and carrying out the Synod 10) Patients at the hospital tion, lung cancer as a result activity. The project included of the Catholic University. of smoking, and so on). the creation of commissions The hospital is thus trans- 45 incorporating the different The general activity, desig- formed into a place where sections, and, once this work nated a “Day of Reflection,” everyone has a role to play— was completed, the holding took place on Tuesday, Octo- the patient, the health profes- of a day-long encounter for ber 17, at the Sanctuary of sional, and others—and reflection and analysis, with Schoenstatt. Thirty profes- where suffering and the emphasis on the participation sors and 130 students from proper perception of it are of students at the two schools both schools attended, and it not very relevant. involved. was thus necessary to sus- The commissions worked pend official academic activ- according to guidelines ities for that day. 2. Pain in the Face (Appendix I), but with Finally, a group of para- of Possible Physical enough freedom to include medical health workers con- Limitation, Death, additional topics. tributed to this report by and the Life to Come The present document is drafting a proposal for a made up of a first part with a training program in the The perspective of loss of succinct assessment of the health ministry. life—whether realistic on real state of our hospital account of a specific illness environments and a second or imagined as a result of part containing proposals to fear—and, to a lesser degree, modify negative aspects or Part One: permanent disablement as provide elements which are Analysis of well have a very negative lacking. the Current Situation impact on patients, whose In addition to contributions characteristics are usually by the Faculty of Medicine, fear and rejection, along with the document includes the 1. Suffering rebelliousness and depres- opinion of the Vicar for the sion, when they are unable to Health Ministry, the Most The suffering arising from conceal them. The patient is Rev. Augusto Larrain, who illness is experienced by not prepared to handle a kindly shared his thought most patients as a painful, series of questions which are and experience with us at a unsought reality which inte- left unanswered in the con- special session (Appendix grally affects them and text of the natural world II). threatens to destroy them as alone. The profound person- The Synod Commissions, persons. al component of experienc- which worked from August The basic questions—such ing one’s own extinction to October 1995, were made as “Why me?” “Why now?” remains latent, along with up of from seven to twelve and “What did I do to deserve the prospect of abandoning persons representing well- this?”—largely reveal that ill- one’s loved ones and sur- defined areas of the Faculty’s ness is seen by patients as a roundings. hospital or academic activity. punishment of God or as a Similarly, health profes- This structure was preferred test of faithfulness to Him. sionals do not manifest a so as to analyze real situa- Many react by rebelling; oth- helping attitude because they tions more freely and sponta- ers resign themselves; but experience and convey the neously, without restrictive very few offer up their pain or same fears and judgments on interactions which might feel it to be an opportunity for an unconscious level, and most shield themselves with a.m. a “comfort” is an evi- come fear and poorly under- the efficiency of their profes- dent contradiction. stood respect, openly offer- sional role rather than carry- The picture is further limit- ing spiritual help based on ing out their work as an ed by fees and administrative the Catholic faith.” “We need expression of solidarity, ded- formalities which are con- and desire training in the ication, and love. stantly growing, out of reach helping relationship with When faced with the and incomprehensible. In patients.” inevitable reality of death this regard, the solidarity of Personnel’s concern about and the life to come, this fun- health personnel is lacking; administering the Sacrament damental truth goes unob- without reflecting, it often of Anointing of the Sick served; it is hidden or post- increases medical interven- requires attention; it is seen poned: “We do not esteem tions unnecessarily, multi- as an act which calms con- the life to come because we plying expenses and unease sciences and maintains tradi- are very attached to this life,” for patients. tion. a patient once said. As for ill- This situation is expanding Support of patients by their ness, most patients are not as the number of workers church or parish is either prepared to receive bad news from companies outside the nonexistent or rare. Such and react with fear. institution increases—those support falls within the role employed for specific tasks of the chaplaincies, which such as cleaning, security, are always reduced or lack- 3. The Hospital and others. Moreover, ing and clearly eclipsed in Environment administrative staff members their possibilities for action. and Its Impact are oppressed by norms and “It’s a job for specialists.” 46 on Patients’ Suffering provisions progressively lim- Family capacity to give iting their work, reducing patients moral support is Hospitalization involves a human relationships, and another matter. It is also cir- brusque change which is taking into account only effi- cumscribed by relatives’ lim- usually not planned on in ciency and the relation itations and those imposed people’s lives, entailing sep- between costs and time. by the hospital. Furthermore, aration from their families. Workers’ indifference to we know that when the ill- As a result, patients’ psycho- God is patent, with a lack of ness or hospital stay is pro- logical vulnerability increas- Christian solidarity among longed, families slowly fall es, especially at the begin- the different groups and also into a kind of routine which ning of the illness. There is at minor levels of the same grows weaker and weaker. also a set of environmental group. Faith is forgotten. Patients perceive this, and a circumstances connected There is uncertainty about negative dynamic is created. with the work of health per- job stability. Support by the hospital’s sonnel (from doctors to aux- When faced with the phys- pastoral team is limited in its iliaries) which adds an extra ical limitation due to illness, contributions, but is quite portion of pain—so-called patients have no subsidiary well accepted. There is “additional pain.” roles to play, and in a great awareness that for slightly The hospital, even if ultra- many cases this leads to over a year this activity has modern, is always a peculiar, depression. been improving. The strange place. It is the place involvement of women reli- where the person’s privacy gious in hospital work has and reserve are assailed; this 4. Patient Perception had a notable impact on is partly attributable to phys- of Religious Support modes of acting and organi- ical limitations, but to a great zation. In addition, patients extent it results from a lack This field is quite varied are pleased with the distribu- of interest among health and basically depends on tion of the Eucharist by Cari- workers. In the case of the preceding experience and tas volunteers. University Clinic, where religious background. We medical and nursing instruc- find people who say that “ill- tion is provided, another fac- ness awakens dormant val- 5. Specific Pastoral tor is added which is quanti- ues, reshaping and deepen- Activities Available tatively significant: the pres- ing them,” and others who to Patients ence of medical and nursing show they do not need God students. It is generally for- and express disgust at having There is little awareness gotten that wearing hospital turned to religion when they among patients of the possi- clothes does not give entered the hospital. bility of receiving religious patients knowledge of med- As regards health person- support during their hospital ical concepts, agility in liv- nel, a marked dichotomy is stay. As regards the liturgical ing inside the hospital, and perceived between profes- or sacramental aspect, the acceptance of this institu- sional work and faith or reli- Eucharist is celebrated every tional way of life. This situa- gious experience. Workers day, and some liturgical tion is dramatic in the case of do not feel prepared to sup- feasts are also celebrated: the children. For example, to port patients or their families Marian Month, the Month of term washing patients at 6 spiritually. “We need to over- the Sacred Heart, and so on. But in reality patients cannot its displeasure over an irre- pain and illness, they leave benefit from them directly versible condition and its room—or allow room to be because they are unable to fear of death. Personnel made—for natural openness attend. shows some concern about to discussion of and insight The sacraments of having patients receive the into the mystery of pain and Penance and Baptism may be sacraments, but dialogue the eschatological prospect requested of the Chaplain in with families proves uncom- at hand. This room and the advance, and the Eucharist is fortable. The death of the time available—and some- distributed each day by vol- dying is experienced with times interest and need— unteers. The hospital’s physi- relief by all the personnel. must then be made the most cal restrictions do not foster Though the situation at our of and not neglected. this sacramental presence hospital is better than that at because they do not provide others, it is deficient in all 3) The Health Ministry adequate privacy and, fur- respects and needs to be must provide guidance so thermore, the personnel’s redefined, broadened, and that the hospital, even before being habituated to this focused beyond the sacra- being seen as a place for the aspect deprives it of the mental dimension. care of illness, will be solemnity it deserves. regarded as an institution As regards the “helping capable of stimulating, relationship” with patients, reawakening, and revitaliz- work is just beginning, but in Part Two: ing the sacredness constitut- the area where it has been car- Conclusions ing the interiority of the ried out, dialysis, the impact and Proposals human being. and acceptance have sur- The traditional focus of 47 passed expectations. A lack of pastoral care suffers from more rational, effective orga- 1) The people in these cir- limitations such as nization is felt. cumstances, whether patients a) emphasis on the sacra- or health workers, are not in mental; harmony with the mystery of b) regarding the sick as 6. Patient Receptiveness pain and the Christian direct recipients of its action; to Such Action approach to it. When illness c) the chaplaincy as the appears, it becomes a lacerat- core and basis for care. Patient receptiveness to ing, annihilating factor capa- The emphasis on the sacra- pastoral activity is quite ble of transmitting its nega- mental is limiting for good. It sometimes happens tivity to the family as well. patients oppressed by their that ministers offer this ser- Consequently, the health pain and desirous of a broad vice as a product, thereby ministry, or pastoral care of perspective which will shed degrading it and making it the sick, begins with the light where the sacramental less vital. Patients are anx- healthy. If religious experi- is a natural and wished-for ious to participate, well dis- ence does not illuminate corollary and thus full of posed, and grateful, realizing minor pains, people will be grace and enrichment. that they have a lot of time to unable to act in a Christian Sacramentalizing efforts think about the transcendent manner when faced with are extremely limiting, for during their hospital stay. their own suffering or that of they address only those others. Christians in a position to A permanent effort is receive them and ignore 7. Technical, Human, required in preparation for those unable to and people and Pastoral Support pain which is guided by a from other religions. In addi- for the Dying Christian vision and is active tion, as a result of routine, and Their Families in the pastoral program at all the solemnity of Christ’s levels and in all institutions presence in hospital rooms is The dying present difficul- of the diocese. trivialized by a lack of sensi- ties which are hard to tivity. The role of the minis- resolve. Though it is more 2) The people we are ter of the Eucharist comes to humane and fitting to give studying, both patients and be like any other within the people the chance to die at personnel, are no different hospital, including that of the home and in their family from the rest of the society patient. environment, whenever pos- they belong to as regards As a result of this standard sible, many patients die at their refusal to consider or and approach, the sick the hospital, and there is no discuss death and the mean- receive the pastoral “prod- policy in this regard. They ing of the life to come. Insis- uct” or action directly, in a are isolated as much as pos- tence must be placed on quite automatized way in the sible so they will not disturb eschatological preparation case of the Eucharist, or as a or bother other patients. The filled with Christian hope, required procedure for the family usually visits them lit- and its great scope and sig- dying in the case of Anoint- tle, because of hospital nificance must be brought to ing. The unitary dimension restrictions and because, in bear. of man is diluted in the midst drawing away, it manifests When persons experience of norms and schedules sup- porting specific or unidirec- the work of groups experi- tional acts. If illness itself enced in this field. lacerates man’s interiority, For health workers them- the pastoral worker must not selves to be given responsi- contribute to perpetuating it bility for this dimension is an or just to concealing it. adequate response to the The priestly chaplaincy at growing limitation imposed hospitals has been the main- by rapid patient turnover, stay of the health ministry, with minimal stays prevent- properly supported by this ing all other external action sacramental emphasis. In regarding them. practice, it does not exist Selection of staff at what- today, but in conceptual ever level must include eval- terms people continue to uation of these values and regard it as an organizational potentials, in addition to tra- archetype, creating an ditional professional criteria. unbridgeable abyss between reality and organizational b) Instituting Pastoral theory. Workers in Health Care is a The theoretical advantage way to channel the solidarity in having a priest chaplain of many Christians into this gain solid background on the field of ministry. Adequate impact of illness on the per- training and progressive, reg- 48 son is degraded by the fact ulated skill in acting are that he devotes himself only required. We feel the Faculty partially to this work, in of Medicine should be addition to having other responsible for creating a responsibilities as a parish School for Pastoral Workers. priest. This negative situa- These workers, who tion is progressively becom- should arise from within ing accentuated, without the their respective parishes, realistic consideration it would be the factor or deserves. bond—not existing at pre- The following observa- sent—between the hospital tions are proposed as major and the parish facilitating orientations for action. unified action. In addition, they would be responsible a) Spiritual and human for pastoral home care of the support for patients should sick belonging to their be provided by health work- parish. ers (doctors, nurses, para- The proposal views these medics, and auxiliaries) in an Pastoral Workers as directing ongoing fashion embracing their basic effort towards all professional attitudes. Christianizing—supporting This Christian content, and spreading the Gospel— which extends from gestures health personnel, which, to profound conversation, when assisted in this way, opens patients’ spirits more will develop the spirit need- than any other programmed ed to do its daily work within action can. a continuum of human and This dimension, which Christian duties which lacks represents a break with indi- dividing lines. vidualized roles, requires not only good will, but also real, In summary, we propose profound capacity. What is at that the helping relationship stake is too important to be with patients be associated left only to the support of a with their daily vicissitudes positive attitude. and accomplished by health In this context, training workers at all levels. This is must be rigorous and perma- demanding, but gratifying nent; this responsibility falls work which requires special to the Catholic University as attention to and support of an institution which should the faith of these workers. provide adequate means and The Church, by way of capa- support for the development ble Pastoral Workers, must of the Helping Relationship respond adequately to this with patients. It must now exigency. begin to foster and stimulate The Faculty of Medicine at different levels is engaged in Impact of health workers developing the major subject Impact of the local church of the Helping Relationship Impact of the family (in courses for its students Impact of the hospital’s and training personnel, for pastoral team example). This is an instru- ment enabling us to respond 5. Special pastoral action to the growing and usually available to patients unexpected requirements of Information, sacraments, our patients. etc. The training of Pastoral Workers demands the cre- 6. Patient receptiveness ation of a specialized School. to pastoral action Relevant experience exists in in this connection 7. Technical, human, and we have adequate access and pastoral support to an exchange of informa- for the dying tion. and their families

Appendix II Appendix I Interview with the Vicar 49 Ninth Diocesan Synod for the Health Ministry, of Santiago de Chile the Most Rev. Augusto Larrain, Catholic University released on Faculty of Medicine September 28, 1995 The Health Ministry The organizational struc- Topics for Discussion ture of the Health Ministry by Synod Groups includes the Vicar for Pas- toral Care in Hospitals and an Archdiocesan Council for Analysis of the Situation Health Coordination, com- posed of nine people and 1. Suffering headed by the Vicar. This Definition of physical and Council was created in July moral pain. 1995. Do patients perceive pain In the field of pastoral as a punishment for their care, both hospital and home sins? environments are dealt with. The former comes under the 2. Pain in the face jurisdiction of the Vicar and, of physical limitations, along with him, of the Chap- death, and lains assigned to hospitals. the life to come Pastoral home care pertains to the ordinary ministry of 3. The hospital each area and is under the environment jurisdiction of the Vicar for and its impact each Zone and, by extension, on patients’ experience of each parish, with its assis- of suffering tants for the sick. The dismembering of the As regards pastoral care at family nucleus hospitals, there is a notable A loss of privacy lack of human and economic Procedures and terms resources at the forty health unfamiliar to patients facilities located in Santiago. Communication As for the chaplains, they Reserve are present at only two hos- Costs, administrative for- pitals (Catholic University malities and Salvador) on a full-time basis and work part-time at 4. Patient perception three others. At other hospi- of religious support tals religious services are Personal religious back- provided by nearby parishes. ground The Vicariate for the Health Ministry has a very seminary training does not of the National Training limited budget, and part of it deal with hospitals and semi- School (ENAC). is devoted to providing a narians do not have practical Visitors contact patients minimal subsidy to chap- experience at them. and give them written mater- lains. The Vicariate has no For hospital visits there are ial for support, while pro- secretariat, and the Vicar teams of volunteer visitors gressively following up on receives support for this trained through the courses health personnel. work from his parish. There of Chilean Caritas. These To sum up, the field of is generally little interest courses last three months, pastoral care in health vastly among priests in this respon- with weekly lessons; partici- exceeds our capacities for a sibility. This attitude is prob- pants are selected by their minimally acceptable out- ably affected by the fact that pastors or in the framework reach.

50 Activity of the Pontifical Council

Fourth World Day of the Sick Mexico, February 11, 1996 Celebration of the Fourth World Day of the Sick

THE HOLY FATHER’S tions, for the benefit of his LETTER TO body, which is the Church” (Col 1:24). CARDINAL ANGELINI We ardently hope, then, that all who bear in them- selves a witness to the salvif- The Holy Father named ic pain of Christ may be en- Fiorenzo Cardinal Angelini, riched with proper and time- President of the Pontifical ly esteem on the part of the Council for Pastoral Assis- Christian community. tance to Health Care Work- We have thus learned with ers, his Special Envoy to the joy that in Mexico City, on celebration of the Fourth February 11, the Fourth 52 World Day of the Sick in World Day of the Sick will Mexico City on February 11, be celebrated this year. In 1996. The Pontifical Mission order, then, for the Church’s was made up of Rev. José concern for the sick to be Luis Redrado Marchite, more fully manifested there O.H., Secretary of the Pontif- and in order for this Celebra- ical Council; Rev. Felice tion to be held in the most Ruffini, M.I., Undersecretary emphatic and solemn man- of the Council; Monsignor ner, we have decided to send Joseph Spiteri, Secretary of a distinguished figure to rep- the Nunciature; and Mr. José resent Our Person and con- Barroso, President of the vey our encouragement and Knights of Malta in Mexico. favor. The text of the letter follows We are thinking precisely below. of you, Our Venerable Broth- er, for you seem to us to be exceedingly well qualified to To our Venerable Brother accomplish this task, all the Fiorenzo Cardinal Angelini. more so because you have been dealing with these mat- With extraordinary satis- ters in such praiseworthy faction, we observe around fashion for a long time. We us the important events tak- thus name you “Extraordi- ing place in the People of nary Legate” to carry out that God within the different ec- Celebration in the most ap- clesial communities, and in a propriate way which the cir- certain sense we would like cumstances may suggest. to be present in each one of You are to convey Our them. Benevolence, embracing all, With the utmost apprecia- to everyone. You are to tion for the custom of the speak of our love for the sick Catholic Church, we, too, are and our concern for each of particularly concerned about them. those who are being tested Finally, we want you to by unfavorable states of bear Our Apostolic Blessing health, with the certainty that to all participating and at- those faithful to Christ who tending as a promise of di- are sick and afflicted with the vine gifts and relief of suffer- wounds of life are the main ings. actors in the mystery of sal- vation; they in fact present From the Vatican, February 3, 1996 the image of the suffering Eighteenth Year of Our Pontificate Christ, and, indeed, “make JOANNES PAULUS PP II up in their flesh for what is lacking to Christ’s tribula- The Pope’s Telegram to Fiorenzo Cardinal Angelini

On the occasion of the cele- teers—to fulfill their vocation tutes the best service to the bration of the Fourth World as Good Samaritans so that, dignity of the human person Day of the Sick, taking place in following the example of and to the quality of life. Spir- at the Basilica of Our Lady of Christ, who passed through itually close to all who suffer, Guadalupe, I send my most the world doing good and car- I call down upon them the cordial greeting to all those ing for those oppressed by all constant protection of Our participating, particularly to forms of evil, they may draw Lady of Tepeyac, who repeats the sick and the suffering, to- near to every man and every to each of them what She said wards whom the Church has woman suffering in body and one day to Blessed Juan been promoting attention and in spirit, assisting them with Diego: “Aren’t I, who am service since her inception, the best means possible. She your mother, here?” over the course of the cen- also exhorts them to show the With these sentiments, and turies. For this reason she in- light of Christian hope to as a demonstration of affec- vites those working in the those submerged in the ob- tion, I impart the Apostolic 53 field of health—doctors, scurity of pain and to the Blessing to all. nurses, auxiliary personnel, members of their families as hospital sisters, and volun- well. This certainly consti- JOHN PAUL II

“Aren’t I Your Health?”

CHRONICLE OF THE FOURTH WORLD DAY OF THE SICK MEXICO CITY, FEBRUARY 9-16, 1996

As Mexicans we have re- ganize and program the ceived the lofty honor and whole event, which the Holy responsibility of celebrating Father wanted to be held for the Fourth World Day of the first time in America, at the Sick at the National the Sanctuary of the Queen Sanctuary/Basilica of Our of Mexico and Empress of Lady of Guadalupe. America: Our Lady of Under the motto “From Guadalupe. Tepeyac to the World,” join- From January 31 to Febru- ing together around Mary, ary 8 the preparatory cele- we celebrated Jesus Christ in brations were intensified at union with all our sick broth- the Sanctuary with a novena ers and sisters around the of , talks, and cultur- world. al events culminating in the The celebrations began celebration of a monumental with a stage of preparation Triduum for the Fourth and catechetical sensitizing World Day of the Sick, Feb- which encompassed all of ruary 9-11, 1996. Advent and Christmas 1995 As immediate preparation and an intensive phase of for this Fourth World Day, preparation during the month the Congress of Healthcare of January 1996. Institutions was held in Mon- The Mexican Bishops’ terrey, February 7-9. There is Conference gave its vote of thorough information on this confidence to the Bishops’ Congress elsewhere in this Commission for the Health issue. Ministry in order for it to or- First Day of the Triduum At 5 p.m., at the Sanctuary Friday, of Our Lady of Guadalupe in February 9 Tepeyac, the Chairman of the Bishops’ Commission for the On Friday, February 9, Healthcare Ministry, the Cardinal Fiorenzo Angelini, Most Rev. José Lizares Special Envoy of the Holy Estrada, with the Eucharist Father, John Paul II, arrived inaugurated the Solemn at 3:30 p.m. at the interna- Triduum of the celebrations, tional airport of Mexico City. in which 42 Mexican dioce- In view of new Mexican leg- ses took part; there were islation and the recent renew- about 5300 participants at al of diplomatic relations be- the Conference Forums, and tween Mexico and the Holy national and international See, a reception was held in guests attended. the Official Hall. The Cardi- At 6 p.m., at the Apostolic nal was accompanied by the Nunciature Cardinal Angeli- Pontifical Mission, made up ni offered an interview for of Rev. José Luis Redrado world television. and Rev. Felice Ruffini, Sec- retary and Undersecretary, respectively, of the Pontifical Second Day of the Triduum Council; Mr. José Barroso Saturday, 54 Chávez, President of the February 10 Order of Malta in Mexico; Monsignor Josef Spiteri, Sec- At 10 a.m. Cardinal An- retary of the Apostolic Nun- gelini and the Pontifical Mis- ciature in Mexico; and a sion attended a private meet- group of seventy pilgrims ing with the members of the who accompanied Cardinal Bishops’ Commission for the Angelini from Rome. Healthcare Ministry. The Groups of pilgrims from Most Rev. José Lizares Spain and the United States Estrada, Commission Chair- and representatives of Bel- man, provided a detailed ex- gium, India, Lebanon, and planation of the Triduum to also took part in the celebrate the World Day. Day. At 4 p.m. Cardinal Angeli- The Cardinal was received ni inaugurated the exhibition by the Apostolic Nuncio in entitled “Our Lady of Mexico, the representative of Guadalupe: Health of the the Mexican government for Sick,” at the Museum of the religious affairs, the Secre- Guadalupe Basilica. Among tary General of the Mexican the works exhibited was a Bishops’ Conference, Mon- collection of popular votive signor Ramón Godínez, the offerings of the eighteenth Chairman of the Bishops’ and nineteenth centuries, Commission for the Health along with Guadalupe Ministry, the Most Rev. José iconography dealing with the Lizares Estrada, Bishops miracles of healing which forming part of the Commis- have taken place there for sion, the Coordinator of the 450 years. Fourth World Day of the At 5 p.m., at the entrance Sick, Rev. Jorge Palencia, to the Guadalupe Basilica, and members of the Organiz- the of Mexico, ing Committee. Archbishop Norberto Rivera In the Official Hall Cardi- Carrera, Abbot Guillermo nal Angelini held the first Schulemburg of Guadalupe, news conference for seventy- and the Basilica Chapter two journalists representing welcomed Cardinal Angeli- both national and interna- ni, the Pontifical Mission, tional television, radio, and and the group of seventy pil- the press. Since it was the grims who accompanied first time the World Day was Cardinal Angelini from being held in the western Rome. Immediately after the hemisphere, there was great public reading of the letter interest on the part of the naming the Cardinal Special media in providing detailed Envoy of His Holiness John coverage. Paul II, the Eucharistic cele- bration began which opened their suffering brothers and the sessions of the second sisters. At about midnight day of the Solemn Triduum this celebration came to an at the Basilica and the ses- end; it was transmitted by sions of the seven other sites, satellite to the Americas and close to the Sanctuary, which Europe by way of Clara- were affiliated with the offi- visión, Mexican Catholic cial proceedings and repre- Television. sented the dimension of the- A surprising fact con- ological/pastoral reflection cerned a twenty-six-year-old for the Fourth World Day, girl in Texas, USA, who was with the presence of 64 about to commit suicide speakers specializing in the when she picked up the tele- concrete fields associated cast; however, on hearing the with the purpose of the Day. testimony of young people They dealt with the follow- who, having gone through ing topics before a combined the toughest crises in their audience of about 5300: illnesses, strongly felt the Liturgy and the Health Min- presence of the Risen One, istry; the National Plan of she abandoned the idea of the Diocesan Secretariats for suicide, flew to Mexico City, the Health Ministry; the and was there for the major Main Ethical and Moral celebration of the Fourth Problems in Nursing; Parish World Day of the Sick on 55 Dispensaries; The Catholic February 11. This girl is now Physician; the Sick and Suf- a Catholic lay missionary in fering Joined to the Cruci- Africa. fied One; Volunteers and Priests’ Health. After the Eucharistic Cele- Third Day of the Triduum bration Cardinal Angelini Sunday, and part of the Pontifical February 11 Mission visited the sec- ondary site dedicated to At 8 a.m. Cardinal Angeli- “Parish Dispensaries,” at ni and the Pontifical Mission which they witnessed the presided at the opening of sessions being devoted to the Bioethics Forum, which this vital area, where the was ably prepared by Health Apostolate and the Anahuac University, run by Social Apostolate converge the priests of the Legionaries to help and support the sick of Christ. With his Keynote integrally, especially the Address, entitled “From Hu- poorest. manae Vitae to Evangelium At 8:30 p.m. Cardinal An- Vitae,” Cardinal Angelini gelini and a good many pil- opened the Forum sessions, grims accompanying him at- with an audience of about tended the first part of the 350 people, Mexican radio Youth Prayer Vigil for the and TV coverage, and an in- Sick. Inside the Basilica of ternational telecast via satel- Our Lady of Guadalupe lite. about 8000 young people After the Keynote Ad- gathered to pray for the sick dress, the Cardinal, as the and seek ways to accompany Legate of Pope John Paul II, them during the hard time of held a news conference for illness. During the Youth the journalists and television Vigil there was testimony by reporters accredited for cov- the terminally ill, HIV vic- ering the events of the Fourth tims, drug addicts, and alco- World Day of the Sick. holics, who helped to sensi- While, in the large atrium of tize the vast multitude of the Basilica, pilgrims, pa- young people and focus their tients and their relatives, and prayer on Jesus Christ in his health ministry staff were al- Death and Resurrection. At ready gathered together for the end of the first part the the Solemn Mass, about Cardinal addressed eloquent 10,000 people took their words of encouragement to seats for the celebration, the young, that they might be which was to begin at 11 witnesses to Christ alongside a.m. Just before the Mass, Car- ther’s voice burst over the Commission. Thanks to the dinal Angelini and his en- Basilica’s loudspeakers, all generosity of the Congrega- tourage visited the mobile hearts were filled with joy. It tion of the Daughters of Mary care facilities set up in the was as if he were there in our Immaculate of Guadalupe, monumental atrium of the midst, speaking to us as he during breakfast Cardinal An- Basilica of Our Lady of had already done on two oc- gelini and his entourage expe- Guadalupe, where 24,000 casions at the Tepeyac Sanc- rienced Mexican folklore in medical consultations in- tuary. Loud, prolonged ap- the form of a mariachi band, volving 3000 physicians plause filled the Basilica, which delighted everyone. (both general practitioners which shook down to the Later, at a special meeting and specialists), 1000 nurses, foundations; the ovation and with the Bishops, Cardinal and 2500 volunteers took acclaim for the Pope made Angelini listened to a summa- place over a nine-day period, this a joyful, historic moment ry of the Pastoral Plans for the February 3-11, 1996, aimed for our Hemisphere. The future, especially regarding at the poorest of the sick mission entrusted to the the establishment of Regional from the Mexico Valley. The Mexicans by this Day will Secretariats for the Health Cardinal observed opportu- have enduring consequences Ministry in Mexican dioceses. nities opened up by this Day for the pastoral action of After the meeting Cardinal for future celebrations; the many dioceses and for the Angelini and his group visited ceremony involved not only work of civil authorities and the hospital, and there was a pastoral theological reflec- the Mexican government. blessing of the operating tion and the liturgy, but the During the Solemn Mass, rooms. exercise of mercy, especially which lasted two-and-a-half From the medical center 56 for the poorest sick and el- hours, the 46 the Cardinal proceeded to the derly members of society. and bishops, headed by Car- headquarters of the Arch- Thanks to the interest shown dinal Angelini, administered bishopric of Mexico, accom- by Rotary International, this the Anointing of the Sick to panied by the Apostolic practical dimension was suc- about 4000 patients gather- Nuncio, the Most Rev. Giro- cessfully implemented and ing inside the Basilica. Car- lamo Prigione, to meet with will continue to be periodi- dinal Angelini administered about 400 pastoral workers cally as a reminder and the Sacrament to ten sick in the health field who had memorial of the World Day. people, who represented the organized the Day. With After eight days of sensitiz- immense multitude of the ill. great joy the people who had ing civil society, this objec- Among those anointed by devoted the best of their tal- tive of the Day also prompt- Cardinal Angelini were ter- ents, effort, and generous ed notable expressions of minally ill children, young work to advance and prepare deep commitment. people with HIV, and the girl the World Day for about six At 11 a.m. the Solemn who, only hours before, had months attentively listened Mass began, the central attempted suicide and who to Cardinal Angelini’s mes- event of the World Day. Our had travelled from her native sage. The words still remain Lady of Guadalupe gathered Texas to attend, as a sign that as a great treasure in the us around Herself, in her “lit- the forces of evil never frus- memory and heart of these tle house” in Tepeyac, to cel- trate the triumph of the Risen pastoral workers, whose ex- ebrate Jesus Christ, fulfilling Christ. ertion and effort were re- the purpose of this occasion. At the end of the Mass, the warded by witnessing the During the magnificent litur- Organizing Committee of- tenderness and affection with gy the 10,000 people attend- fered a banquet for Cardinal which Cardinal Angelini ing—along with 375 priests Angelini and the seventy pil- kindly conveyed to us the and 46 archbishops and bish- grims accompanying him model of the Good Samari- ops—appreciated the pres- from Rome. The emotional tan. A high point was the ence of the Pope’s Envoy, high point for the 35 mem- Cardinal’s introducing to us Cardinal Fiorenzo Angelini, bers of the Central Organiz- the seventy members of the who presided at the Mass, re- ing Committee came when delegation accompanying layed for radio and TV by Cardinal Angelini expressed him from Rome. satellite to 28 Latin Ameri- words of gratitude on behalf Around noon, Cardinal can and 6 European nations. of the Holy Father. Angelini and his entourage The Basilica’s monumental, reached the site of Anahuac 125-voice choir, situated the University, run by the Le- assembly at the heart of the Monday, gionaries of Christ. He visit- Christian mystery: to cele- February 12 ed the Medical School and brate the death and resurrec- the Bioethics training pro- tion of Jesus Christ. Very early in the morning gram. After lunch he took Thanks to the efforts Cardinal Angelini went to the part in the sessions of the made, we managed to broad- medical facilities of Our Lady Bioethics Forum organized cast the Holy Father’s An- of Guadalupe, where he cele- for the World Day, which he gelus Message from Caracas, brated Mass with the mem- had solemnly inaugurated on Venezuela, where he was bers of the Mexican Bishops’ Sunday morning. Before an visiting. When the Holy Fa- Conference Health Ministry audience of about 400 med- ical students Cardinal An- Guadalupe Psychiatric Hos- Friday, gelini spoke on the principles pital, which has been run by February 16 serving as the foundation for the St. John of God Brothers the Church Magisterium for over 80 years. Cardinal In the morning Cardinal concerning bioethics. Angelini was accompanied Angelini, accompanied by Immediately thereafter, the by the Archbishop of Puebla, the Pontifical Mission, and Cardinal, accompanied by the Most Rev. Rosendo the seventy pilgrims from the Pontifical Mission, pro- Huesca Pacheco, who con- Rome, visited St. John’s ceeded to the Official Resi- celebrated the Eucharist. Af- Home, a nursing home and dence of the President of terwards there was a pleasant clinic run by the Malta Hos- Mexico, Ernesto Zedillo luncheon at a nineteenth- pital Order in Mexico. After Ponce de León, where he had century hacienda, a visit to Mass, the Cardinal met with a private interview lasting al- the facility, and the return the Knights and Ladies of the most 90 minutes. This act set trip to the capital. Order and was informed an important precedent for about their projects. the Mexican Health Ministry, Immediately thereafter, the opening up new possibilities Thursday, entourage visited Xochimilco for dialogue and mutual un- February 15 Parish to pray at the tomb of derstanding. the Most Rev. Jorge Martí- In the evening Cardinal Around noon Cardinal An- nez, forerunner of the Mexi- Angelini met with Mexican gelini and his entourage vis- can Health Ministry, who businessmen to present the ited the Sanctuary of Tulpet- died on August 1, 1994, after project for a Children’s Hos- lac, the site of the Fifth Ap- a painful bout with cancer pital in Moscow, which is parition of Our Lady of lasting for two-and-a-half 57 scheduled to begin activity Guadalupe, where the uncle years. He offered all his suf- soon. The businessmen of Blessed Juan Diego (the ferings for the Church and the looked with favor at the idea seer of Guadalupe), Juan development of the Health of supporting this work. Bernardino, about to die of Ministry. His numerous writ- Sharing is another way of plague, recovered his health. ings contributed to the Direc- showing mercy and seeking The recently appointed Bish- tory of the health apostolate the justice of God’s King- op, the Most Rev. Onesimo and the creation of the Bish- dom. Cepeda, welcomed Cardinal ops’ Commission for Pastoral Angelini to what he termed Care in Health as a coordinat- “the youngest diocese in the ing body within the Mexican Tuesday, world, the poorest diocese, Bishops’ Conference. February 13 and at the same time the third In the evening Cardinal largest in the number of Angelini and the pilgrims ac- In the morning Cardinal Catholics, with three million companying him were sent Angelini and the seventy pil- baptized.” A big popular fi- off at the International Air- grims visited the National esta was the way of receiv- port of Mexico City by the Anthropological Museum, ing the guests right from Apostolic Nuncio, the Most which houses the largest col- their entry into the town of Rev. Girolamo Prigione, lection of pre-Hispanic arche- Tulpetlac, ten kilometers members of the Secretariat ological finds in the Western north of Mexico City, and all for Religious Affairs of the Hemisphere. Around noon, the way to the Sanctuary of Mexican Government, and there was a visit to the his- the Fifth Apparition. Cardi- members of the Organizing toric section of Mexico City, nal Angelini celebrated the Committee for the Fourth the original Temple of the Eucharist and administered World Day of the Sick. A his- Aztecs, the Metropolitan the Anointing of the Sick to toric moment for the Church Cathedral, and the National the elderly and ill who at- and the Health Ministry in . In the afternoon there tended. This celebration left particular thus reached its was a meeting with Interior a deep mark on the Mexican conclusion. The Day had a Minister Emilio Chauffet at Health Ministry. With sim- past and a future; the com- the offices of the Secretariat plicity and extreme poverty mitment to faithfulness and of the Mexican Government. the sick and elderly celebrat- to seeking authentic service ed Jesus Christ: “the hope of to our sick brothers and sis- new heavens and a new ters remains as a seed in our Wednesday, earth.” spirits and pastoral responsi- February 14 An artistic-musical festival bilities. “From Tepeyac to the added charm to the simple World” was not a project, but Very early in the morning, meal with which the new a reality leading to a brighter Cardinal Angelini, the Pon- diocese of Ectapec thanked future of dedication to Jesus tifical Mission, and the sev- Cardinal Angelini for his Christ, the Physician of bod- enty pilgrims travelled to the visit and his attention to the ies and souls. cities of Cholula and Puebla, poor and ill. about 200 kilometers from Rev. JORGE A. PALENCIA Mexico City. In Cholula they General Coordinator of the visited the Our Lady of Fourth World Day of the Sick Celebrations at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico

58

Holy Mary: Queen and Mother of Mercy

Cardinal Fiorenzo Angeli- God of Isaac, God of Jacob, Your history, the history of ni’s homily on the second day may you be blessed! Protect your Christian and Marian of preparation, February 10, me, for I am alone and have devotion, of which this Basil- 1996. no other defender but you, ica furnishes illustrious proof, Lord, and I am going to risk repeats to us the great and lib- The Gospel passage you my life” (Est 4:17 ff.). erating truth that “the more heard at yesterday’s celebra- The World Day of the Sick man is threatened by sin, the tion, the first day of the holds the deep significance of more burdensome are the Triduum of preparation for celebrating the healing power structures of sin which the celebration of this Fourth of suffering. today’s world brings with it, World Day of the Sick, re- In human history, pain and the greater is the eloquence called the visit in haste of death too often bring on de- which human suffering in it- Mary Herself to her relative spair, rebelliousness, and self possesses. And the more Elizabeth (Lk 1:39-56). even violence. From suffer- the Church feels the need to Today’s Gospel brings out ing other sufferings may re- turn to the value of human another episode involving the sult which close hearts to sufferings for the salvation of concern of the Mother of hope. the world” (Salvifici Doloris, Jesus: her intervention in Our sharing in Christ’s suf- 27). favor of the newlyweds at the ferings and our conformity to This is the thought I would marriage of Cana, introduced Him make us able to trans- like to entrust to all of you on by the words “Do whatever form pain into a source of this day of preparation. May he tells you” (Jn 2:1-11). mercy, spurring us—as the the acceptance of pain and Mary, Queen and Mother Holy Father, John Paul II, re- meditation on human pain, of Mercy, is at once a herald minds us—“to do good with which spares no one, be of and witness to the Gospel suffering and to do good to transformed, with the moth- of mercy. those suffering” (Apostolic erly assistance of Mary, who Wherever there is complete Letter Salvifici Doloris, 30). is the health of the sick, into salvation of man, there is al- Our Lady is the Mother and an instrument of mercy and ways a triumph of God’s Queen of mercy, for, by her salvation. mercy, our only salvation. In whole life, She bore witness Jesus, who, from the day of the first reading, too, the to the Gospel of suffering his birth in the Bethlehem words of Esther reminded us (Encyclical Redemptoris grotto, set out on a road of of this: “God of Abraham, Mater, 37). suffering which would end in an unjust passion and iniqui- The new evangelization dedication” (no. 7). tous death on Calvary, carried must be under the sign of A merciful, maternal dedi- out his whole itinerary on the mercy, for the world needs cation to those suffering in earth “doing good to all.” love to cancel out hate, gen- spirit and in body, all the sick Our Lady, alongside Jesus, erosity to combat selfishness, of the world, to whom, if we fulfilled the same mission. and mercy to heal the numer- are unable to extend material We thus celebrate Her as the ous wounds afflicting our aid, we can always offer the “first evangelizer of Latin brothers and sisters. gift of our prayer, our suffer- America” and invoke Her as As we read in the Pontifical ing, accepted and lived the “star of evangelization” Message for this World Day through with Christ and like (cf. John Paul II, Inaugural of the Sick, “may the experi- Christ. Amen. Address at the Puebla Con- ence of pain become for each ference, January 28, 1979). of us a school of generous FIORENZO Cardinal ANGELINI

59

May the Young Look to Christ

Cardinal Angelini’s medita- being tested by suffering and and civil progress and the af- tion at the prayer vigil for the illness. firmation of justice and peace sick, February 10, 1996. The brothers and sisters of depend on service to the suf- yours living through their fering. On different occasions Dear young people, those very harsh passion in your the Pope has stated that the who prepared this encounter midst and alongside you are measure of civilization of a wished to select as a biblical numberless—the suffering people is indicated by its at- text for reflection the Gospel and sick who need our and tention and concern towards passage narrating the episode your help, our and your shar- the suffering and the sick. of Jesus’ passion in the Gar- ing, but they do not find them. If the walls of this Basilica, den of Olives, when the Lord, When Jesus said He had not a Marian Sanctuary admired shortly before being betrayed come for the healthy, but for throughout the world in which and handed over to his ene- the sick, He in fact reminded throngs of the faithful have mies, caught his disciples us that all of us, to a greater or gathered, were to repeat what sleeping. lesser degree, are sick in spirit they have heard and seen over The Lord did not reproach and in body. the centuries, we could listen them harshly, but warned Solidarity, justice, and char- to an unceasing choir of en- them gently and sadly, “How ity are not such if they fail to treaties flowing from the is it that you are sleeping? Get spur us towards serving those hearts and lips of our brothers up and pray so that you may suffering. and sisters tested by pain. face the trial” (Lk 22:47). On instituting the World The prayer to God, through It may also happen that you Day of the Sick, Pope John the mediation of Our Lady, of young people, at the peak of Paul II wished, above all, to those who suffer should your strength, ignore or forget shake our consciences so that pierce our hearts, shake our the large number of those we would realize that human consciences, and spur us to be Good Samaritans. your pastors, fathers, and same sentiments as Christ, We are rapidly approaching masters, and of the leaders of who, when travelling over the the Third Millennium, your your associations. roads of Palestine, gave pref- Millennium, dear young peo- May the encounter this erence to meeting those sick ple, for the world’s future will evening radiate out in a com- in spirit and in body. depend on the future which mitment extending throughout If you are able to recognize you, the young, are able to the year. Christ in all who suffer, they project and achieve. The Church needs young will be able to recognize An agonizing appeal for hearts. She needs your hearts. Christ in you. goodness, mercy, sharing, sol- Look to Christ. Draw near May the Most Blessed Vir- idarity, justice, and peace is to his Person. Examine the gin, Our Lady of Guadalupe, rising from every part of the Gospels and seek to discover bless you, along with your earth. the source of that power families, assist you, accompa- Grasp the words of the Pon- which, in the history of the ny you in life, and always be tifical Message for this Fourth Church, has led to the writing for all of you the shining star World Day of the Sick. The of the best pages precisely in of a secure and splendid fu- Pope says, “Remain alongside service to the suffering and ture. the sick and their families, the sick. acting so that those being test- As St. Paul writes, have the FIORENZO Cardinal ANGELINI ed will never feel marginal- ized” (no. 7). There is a school, dear young people, which you 60 must learn to attend, a school with numberless teachers, but, unfortunately, still few stu- dents—it is the school of suf- fering. In this school you can realize that men are not known, that we cannot be of help to our brothers and sis- ters if we are not familiar with their pain. At the school of those suf- fering you will learn the real, indispensable priorities of human existence. Habituate yourselves to entering this school. Do so with the gen- erosity of your age, with the wealth of your youthful ener- gies, with the altruism of vol- untary dedication. You will re- alize that you receive from those suffering much more than you are able to offer them. Our society would not ex- perience the wounds of unem- ployment if the world’s public officials and those with the power and resources to act faced the problems of health policy and care as an urgent priority. You know the contribution to solving these problems which comes from volunteers. Well then, commit yourselves, according to your possibili- ties, to this service, which so many await with longing. In this voluntary service, make the most of your creativity, your selflessness, and your passion. Enthusiastically support the initiatives of your Bishops, as To Follow Christ in Keeping with Mary’s Example

The homily of Cardinal An- hope in trial, of light in dark- healing, redeeming hope so gelini at the Sanctuary of ness, and of the capacity to well as those suffering and Guadalupe for the Fourth transform suffering into an sharing the pain of their World Day of the Sick, Febru- offering for the building of a brothers and sisters. ary 11, 1996. civilization of life and love. Like Jesus in Gethsemane, Let us not forget the Pope’s we, too, pray that God will Dear brothers and sisters, in invitation for the whole give us the strength to accept, the Responsorial Psalm (Ps Church on this Day: “Dear love, and evangelize his Will. 118:1 ff.) a few moments ago persons who are sick, and rel- This sanctuary resulted we repeated, “Blessed is he atives and health workers from such an invocation and who does the will of the who share their hard road, daily bears witness to it. Lord.” feel yourselves to be the main We recognize God’s will, What is the will of the actors for Gospel renewal in as your Bishops have recalled Lord? How can we know it? the spiritual itinerary leading on different occasions, not 61 In this church, which the to the great Jubilee of the only by accepting our condi- whole world knows and loves Year 2000” (ibid., no. 5). tion as fragile creatures, but because it is dedicated to Our We are living through the also in the duty to Lady of Guadalupe, the will preparatory phase of the great Ð open our hearts to recon- of the Lord is recalled for us Jubilee at the end of the Mil- ciliation with God and with today in the words which the lennium, and reflection on our brothers and sisters; humble native Juan Diego de pain is certainly the most in- Ð follow the example of Cuautilan received from the cisive reminder of the Gospel. Mary, Mother of Mercy, more lips of the Virgin almost five Nothing in today’s world closely; centuries ago (1531) and links human beings together Ð increase our attention to which She repeats in this year so closely as does suffering; the poor and the suffering; of Guadalupe: “Don’t be con- no one knows the need for Ð educate and stimulate the cerned about this illness or younger generations so that about any other misfortune. they will prepare to build a Aren’t I, who am your Moth- future dominated by the civi- er, here? Aren’t you under the lization of love (cf. Message protection of my shadow? of the Mexican Bishops for Aren’t I your health?” the Jubilee Year of The Holy Father, John Paul Guadalupe, III, 1-3). II, on instituting the World What the Pope calls the Day of the Sick, wanted it to “Gospel of suffering” is not a have its most significant cele- surrender to the trials bration at a Marian sanctuary. mankind is subjected to; it is Over the past three years, the victory of life over death, we have experienced this cel- of solidarity and fraternity ebration at Lourdes, in over selfishness, of spirit over , at Czestochowa, in matter. “The Gospel of suffer- Poland, and at Yamous- ing is written unceasingly...; soukro, in Africa, in the Ivory the founts of divine power Coast, and this year we are issue forth precisely in the celebrating it here, where “the midst of human weakness” mestizo face of Mary in and “those sharing in the suf- Guadalupe has been rising up ferings of Christ in their own since the inception of the sufferings conserve a very evangelization” of this nation special particle of the infinite and of this continent (John treasure of the redemption of Paul II, Message for the the world and can share this Fourth World Day of the Sick, treasure with others” (John no. 3). Paul II, Apostolic Letter Salv- The sick, those suffering in ifici Doloris, 27). spirit and in body, from their Today, one of the culminat- own deep experience of faith ing moments of the World and pain, know that the Will Day of the Sick is the admin- of God is the only reason for istering of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick for some of our brothers and sis- ters. May it become the sym- bol of our daily commitment to follow Christ in keeping with the example of his Most Holy Mother, the Virgin Mary. In remaining close to Christ, especially in his pas- sion and death, Mary did the Will of the Lord, her Son and her God, to the utmost. We thus invoke Her as the Health of the Sick, of all of us, united by the infirmity of the spirit and the body. Let no one feel alone in carrying out this mission. The thousands and thou- sands of brothers and sisters who in the past and today have contributed everywhere 62 in the world, with Christ and like Christ, to redeeming human pain and transforming it into a source of sharing, serenity, and joy are with us to support us and stimulate us. The goal of this expiatory and redeeming suffering will be for all, as with Christ, the resurrection and the eternal life which we are all called to prefigure in our earthly exis- tence itself, preceded by Our Lady, “in whom the Church has already reached the per- fection to which she is called” (Lumen Gentium, 65). At this moment may a con- cern for the Vicar of Christ, Pope John Paul II, emerge from this Marian Sanctuary, a concern which becomes an intense prayer addressed to the Most Blessed Virgin, Our Lady of Guadalupe, that She may protect him and preserve him for us at the helm of the Church as teacher and Pastor, an intrepid and courageous defender of life, an evangeliz- ing pilgrim encountering peo- ples everywhere on earth; may Our Lady assist him as her first son, who has given himself to her by his program for life: Totus tuus. May She, the Health of the Sick, assist and protect the Pope, who, like Jesus Christ, has always had and continues to have a special love for the sick. Amen.

FIORENZO Cardinal ANGELINI I Go in Spirit to Guadalupe to Celebrate the Day of the Sick

The words of the Pope on Diego, heard the following “life, sweetness, and hope”! Sunday, February 11, in Cara- words from the lips of Our May She encourage and pro- cas, Venezuela, at the end of Lady: “Aren’t I your health?” tect the work of the new evan- the Holy Mass for the Evange- She thus manifested herself as gelization, so that Christians lization of Peoples and before the One whom the Christian may live out their faith consis- reciting the Angelus at the people has always invoked as tently and fervently and those conclusion of his trip to Latin Salus Infirmorum. Today in who have abandoned it may America. spirit I go in pilgrimage to that return to it. May She foster the Sanctuary, which I saw at the unity of the Church, bringing Beloved brothers and sis- beginning of my Pontificate. together, as in a new Pente- ters: The Virgin shows herself lumi- cost, those who believe in 1. This Sunday the Fourth nously in the mestizo face of Jesus Christ and those who World Day of the Sick is being the image of Our Lady of need to be renewed by the celebrated. The Church, in her Guadalupe, which rose up at Spirit! 63 pastoral concern for those suf- the start of evangelization (cf. Virgin Mary, Mother of men fering physically, draws near Puebla Document, no. 446). and peoples, on returning to to them with the same tender- For this reason she is venerat- Rome, alongside the tomb of ness and charity Christ had. ed as the “first evangelizer of St. Peter, I entrust to you again Illness is a cross, sometimes Latin America” (Address, May your sons and daughters of very burdensome, but when 6, 1990, no. 4). Latin America! I depart with joined to that of Christ it is 2. Now, in preparing the confidence, knowing that they transformed into a fount of sal- great Jubilee of the Year 2000, remain in your hands! With the vation, life, and resurrection the Virgin Mary accompanies same love and the same con- for the sick themselves and for each of her sons and daughters cern with which you visited St. others. For this reason, I invite with her maternal presence. I Elizabeth (cf. Mt 1:39-41), I all who suffer to offer this trial ask Her to “visit”—as in a ask you to present them today generously together with the “peregrinatio Mariae,” as a and always to “Jesus, the suffering Christ and Mary. “pilgrim of faith”—each and blessed fruit of your womb.” The most solemn celebra- every diocese, parish, ecclesial Constantly turn your merciful tion of this Day is taking place community, and family in eyes upon them and, through at the Sanctuary of Guadalupe America, repeating to her chil- your intercession before the in Mexico, in the presence of dren what She said at Cana: Divine Redeemer, heal them Cardinal Fiorenzo Angelini, “Do what he tells you” (Jn of their sufferings, free them my Envoy. In that place a 2:5). May She travel through from every evil, and fill them humble native, Blessed Juan this same Continent, bringing with your love. Cardinal Angelini’s Greeting for the President of the Republic

Accompanied by the Pontifi- achievements is manifested in Mr. President, I wish to con- cal Delegation, Cardinal An- the most lofty and necessary vey to you my most fervent gelini met with Mexican Presi- way in serving life, especially hope—which I have entrusted dent Ernesto Redillo Ponce de as regards those who are poor, in prayer to Our Lady of León. During the visit the Car- weak, and undefended. This is Guadalupe, recalled by John dinal addressed the following the service which the Church Paul II in his recent meeting words of greeting to the Presi- wishes to promote and prac- with you at the Vatican as the dent. tice, in the certainty that there- “Mother and Spiritual Guide in lies the synthesis of the of the Mexicans”—that your Mr. President, I convey to journey and progress of a peo- work may obtain maximum you my most sincere gratitude ple by way of affirming and success for the benefit of your for your courtesy in receiving exalting its civil and religious great nation and its noble, gen- us. values. erous people. 64 As the Special Envoy of the Holy Father, John Paul II, for the most solemn and signifi- cant celebration of the Fourth World Day of the Sick, which is being held in the most noble nation of Mexico, at the Basil- ica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, “Star of Evangelization” and Health of the Sick, I am partic- ularly pleased that this cir- cumstance should offer the chance to recall the profound bond uniting the rich civil and religious patrimony of the Mexican land and people to the subjects and problems of life and of health policy and care. The Pontifical Council for Pastoral Assistance to Health Care Workers, which I have been honored to head since its establishment, and the large Delegation which has accom- panied me recognize in human and Christian attention to the issues of health policy and care a fruitful field for en- counter and mutual collabora- tion between the Church and the social and political com- munity. A cooperation which was formerly manifested in glorious and exemplary initia- tives during the first evange- lization of Latin America and which presents itself today, once more, not only as a prior- ity sphere for common and mutual commitment, but also as a witness to the constant growth of civilization. The true greatness of every real civilization and of its Cultural and Religious Encounters in Mexico City and Monterrey

The organizers of the Fourth World Day of the Sick prepared various activities in both Mexico City and Monterrey. In Monterrey the Congress of Religious Institutions engaged in health care took place, and we pro- vide a detailed report below. In Mexico City different topics were dealt with at various sites: liturgy, pastoral care, ethics, the ex- perience of the sick, health workers, and others. Rev. Redrado spoke on one occasion on the “Sacra- ments of the Sick.” A key center for these events was Anahuac University, run by the , where Cardinal Angelini was present for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Bioethics Forum, February 11-12, 1996. Below we publish his reflections at the beginning of these sessions.

From Humanae Vitae to Evangelium Vitae

Lectio Magistralis by Cardi- is becoming especially urgent that document appears so time- nal Fiorenzo Angelini at the because of the impressive mul- ly that it is not an exaggeration Opening Ceremony of the tiplication and intensification to regard it as prophetic. And 65 Bioethics Forum during cele- of threats to the life of persons the same will occur with the brations of the Fourth World and peoples, particularly when Encyclical Evangelium Vitae. Day of the Sick in Mexico City. it is weak and defenseless.”2 Time limitations do not As the Pope also recalled in allow us to deal in depth with If we wished to reduce the his recent address to the Gener- all the problems considered by core of the Church Magisteri- al Assembly of the United Na- the two documents, which are, um in recent times to its bare tions,3 no other century has in- moreover, accompanied by essentials, we might say that, cluded so many victims of vio- many other statements by the whereas in the previous centu- lence and injustice as ours has, Church Magisterium, the first ry it was expressed most emi- to which there must be added among which is the Instruction nently and most solemnly in the growing suppression of the Donum Vitae, on nascent life, the definition of the primacy of unborn and the abandonment published by the Congregation the Vicar of Christ and in the of minors and the elderly. for the Doctrine of the Faith in presentation of the social doc- The truth about life is, then, 1987. trine of the Church, in our cen- and must be, the key enabling At the opening of your tury, which is now coming to a us to permeate the culture and Bioethics Forum, I would thus close, it has been presented to reality of our time with the like to draw attention to just both believers and the world as Gospel. two aspects which the two a teaching concerning the value It is not a question of mere papal share: the and inviolability of human life. directives of a pastoral nature, firmness of the doctrine and its The extraordinary sensitivity but of the affirmation of an un- openness to the contribution of to this topic to which Pius XII, failing truth. all. of venerable memory, abun- From Paul VI’s Humanae The firmness is based on dantly pointed later became Vitae, published in 1968, to faith in and concerning life; fully defined in Paul VI and John Paul II’s Evangelium openness to the contributions John Paul II. Vitae, which came out last year, of all flows from the Church’s It is John Paul II himself there emerges one and the awareness that life is “a value who explains the reason for the same teaching, which the Vicar which every human being can significance and timeliness of of Christ reaffirms by virtue of grasp, even in the light of rea- this teaching at the beginning the mandate entrusted to him son, and which thus regards all, of the Encyclical Evangelium by the Lord Jesus. This is a necessarily.”6 Vitae. constant point in the doctrine “Indeed,” the Pope writes, of the Church Magisterium, ex- “the Gospel of life is at the pressly declared by Paul VI in The Firmness heart of Jesus’ message,” and Humanae Vitae4 and confirmed of the Doctrine therefore the Church “receives no less forcefully by John Paul it every day with love,” in the II in Evangelium Vitae.5 As regards the value and in- awareness that it “should be The sometimes bitter criti- violability of life and the digni- announced with courageous fi- cism, proceeding even from ty of the human person, the delity as the good news for some sectors of the Catholic Church does not want to for- men of every time and cul- world, which accompanied the mulate her own doctrine, but ture.”1 publication of the Encyclical propose a teaching “she has not “Secondly,” the Holy Father Humanae Vitae almost thirty been the author of and thus continues, “this announcement years ago is well known. Today cannot be the arbiter of; she is only its repository and inter- someone invested with authori- to conduct intensive study of preter, without ever being able ty, to breach.”11 the natural laws in their unity. to declare licit what is not be- In Sollicitudo Rei Socialis On the other hand, what the cause of its intimate and im- (1987) John Paul II had already Church cannot accept is for the mutable opposition to man’s recalled that “as it is not exact advancement and defence of true good.”7 to affirm that the difficulties in life to be subordinated to the Therefore, the Church, development proceed only demands of society or even sci- though “with humble firm- from population growth, it is ence. Science is at the service ness,” cannot fail to “proclaim not even demonstrated either of life—not the other way the entire moral law, both nat- that every population increase around. ural and based on the Gospel.”8 is incompatible with ordered Evangelium Vitae further ex- Paul VI, afflicted by the nar- development.”12 pands this openness of the row-minded reading of Hu- Evangelium Vitae goes fur- Church by stating that “the de- manae Vitae which a good ther and speaks of man’s “min- fence and advancement of life many hastened to carry out, a isterial lordship” regarding life are not the monopoly of any- few days after its publication inasmuch as life “is entrusted one, but the duty and responsi- recalled—in perfect harmony to man as a talent to be used to bility of all.”18 In fact—the with the Encyclical’s content— advantage.”13 If, in fact, the Holy Father insists—“the that it was not just the state- commandment not to kill ex- Gospel of life is not exclusive- ment of a moral refusal, but plicitly possesses a marked ly for believers: it is for all. The rather “the positive presenta- negative content inasmuch as it question of life and its defence tion of conjugal morality in re- points out the extreme confine and advancement is not the lation to its mission of love and which may not be overstepped, unique prerogative of Chris- 66 fecundity in the integral vision “it nevertheless leads implicitly tians.... There is certainly a sa- of man and his vocation, not to a positive attitude of ab- cred and religious value to life, just natural and earthly, but solute respect for life in help- but in no way does it challenge also supernatural and eternal.”9 ing to advance it and progress believers alone.”19 John Paul II includes this along the road of self-giving, John Paul II concludes as teaching and takes it up again receptive, and service-oriented follows: “A general mobiliza- in the phrase “Gospel of Life.” love.”14 tion of consciences and a In other words, what refers to In this task, moreover, in this shared ethical effort are urgent the value and inviolability of mission of ministerial lordship, to put into practice a great human life and the dignity of there is situated the openness to strategy in favor of life. All of the human person is the contributions by all of both us together must construct a Gospel, the Gospel of Him Humanae Vitae and Evangeli- new culture of life.”20 who came to give life and give um Vitae. And as a concrete and tangi- it abundantly (cf. Jn 10:10). This is an aspect too often ble sign of this attitude, the “As happens with things— forgotten, especially by the Pope, who in 1985, with a view Evangelium Vitae affirms— main communications media, towards service to life, institut- and even more with life, man is whose promptness when pro- ed the Pontifical Council for not the absolute owner and ar- viding information is rarely Pastoral Assistance to Health biter beyond censure as regards combined with faithful and Care Workers, on February 11, life, but—and here lies his un- thoroughgoing reporting of 1994 created the Pontifical equaled grandeur—is an ad- content. Academy for Life for the pur- ministrator of the plan estab- pose of “studying and provid- lished by the Creator.”10 ing information and training on A doctrinal firmness which Openness the main problems in biomedi- is not abstract, but painfully to Contributions by All cine and law related to the ad- aware of the problems which vancement and defence of life, are posed for the duty to pro- In including a text from Vati- especially in its direct connec- mote the quality of life by both can II15 and a desire previously tion to Christian morality and population increases and re- expressed by Pius XII,16 Hu- the directives of the Magisteri- sponsible parenthood. But the manae Vitae expresses its “en- um of the Church.”21 Not only problems of advancing and de- couragement for men of sci- Catholic scholars, researchers, fending life are not solved by ence,” and especially for and scientists are members of negating them or dealing with Catholic scientists, to demon- this young body, but also those them with instruments which strate with facts resulting from of other cultures and religions, deny life itself. their research on and study of provided they identify with the Humanae Vitae thus states: life that there cannot be contra- Church’s positions on advanc- “If we do not want to expose dictions between the divine ing and defending life. the mission of engendering life laws governing the transmis- A major step forward taken to the adjudication of men, we sion of life and those fostering by Evangelium Vitae is repre- must necessarily recognize the authentic married love.17 sented by all the Pope writes on impassable limits of man’s The Church, therefore, does the consequences deriving domination over his own body not claim to have an exhaustive from the doctrine on the value and its functions, limits which awareness of nature; she thus and inviolability of human life. it is not licit for any man, invites scientists, in the name Among these consequences whether a private individual or of their Christian faith as well, a significant place is occupied by the responsibility of those wards the advancement and de- ing the impassable limits of the who by profession, vocation, fence of life from conception advancement and defence of and mission are directly called until natural death. Indeed, life—is highly constructive and each day to foster the advance- medicine, by its specific na- open to the true progress of sci- ment of a new culture of life. ture, tries to reinforce the ence and technology when it is John Paul II writes, “The re- progress of life over the years; joined to that of civilization. sponsibility entrusted to all it follows life up to its natural Humbly—while at the same health personnel is distinc- conclusion, watching over time feeling proud of this ef- tive—doctors, pharmacists, life’s quality as best it can. For fort—we may regard the Char- nurses, chaplains, men and this reason it is and remains in- ter as forming part of the com- women religious, administra- tegrally and exclusively a cul- mitment to a “new evangeliza- tive personnel, and volun- ture of life and therefore a very tion” which is decisively mani- teers.”22 lofty expression of civilization, fested in serving life, especially I would like to call attention and not a culture of death— in those who suffer, as exem- to the fact that this is the first that is, anti-civilization. plified by the ministry of time that in a papal document Allow me, however, a con- Christ. of such authority a special defi- cluding observation, which I I invite you to use this Char- nition of health workers is pro- regard as fundamentally im- ter as an integral part of your vided. Each time it refers to portant. initial and ongoing training. them, the Encyclical thus bears From Humanae Vitae to In opening the sessions of that definition in mind. Evangelium Vitae the teaching this Forum, it is my hope that it Accordingly, Evangelium of the Church Magisterium on will be animated by the spirit Vitae observes that, in the cur- the value and inviolability of pervading this Fourth World rent cultural and social context, life and the duty to serve it Day of the Sick: a spirit of ser- 67 “in which science and medi- have been affirmed in a lofty, vice to life, of celebration of cine run the risk of losing their clear, and indisputable manner. life, God’s supreme and myste- original ethical dimension,” You as health workers are rious gift. And may Our Lady, health workers “may some- called to be on the frontier in Seat of Wisdom and Health of times be powerfully tempted to advancing and defending life. the Sick, illuminate your ex- turn into manipulators of life To carry out this task it is changes, inspiring effective and even agents of death.”23 necessary for you to have solid practical decisions by you. This not only contradicts the initial and permanent training Gospel of Life, but Hippocratic in the areas of medicine and FIORENZO Cardinal ANGELINI ethics itself, which claims for morality, of the ethics of life or human reason the duty to de- bioethics. fend and advance life. The Pontifical Council for Since bringing about death Pastoral Assistance to Health 1 JOHN PAUL II, Encyclical Evangelium Vitae, 1. can never be regarded as med- Care Workers, which I am hon- 2 Ibidem, 3. ical care, it follows that ab- ored to head, has published The 3 Cf. L’Osservatore Romano, October solute respect for each human Charter for Health Care Work- 5-6, 1995. 4 ‘Therefore, having most carefully ex- life demands the exercise of ers—updated to include Evan- amined the documentation presented to conscientious objection. This is gelium Vitae—now available in us on the new questions regarding conju- a right of all health workers different languages, which has gal life and particularly the proper regula- tion of births, after mature reflection and and at the same time a duty, es- been extraordinarily well re- assiduous prayer, we now intend, by pecially for Catholic health ceived. virtue of the mandate entrusted to us by workers. The Charter—with an intro- Christ, to give our response to these grave questions” (Humanae Vitae, 6). Where conscientious objec- duction on the figure and es- 5 “The Gospel of God’s love for man, tion is provided for by the law, sential tasks of health workers, the Gospel of the dignity of the person, it must be strongly formulated characterized as “ministers of and the Gospel of life are a single, indi- visible Gospel” (Evangelium Vitae, 2). and faithfully practiced. It in- life”—brings together its direc- 6 Evangelium Vitae, 101 volves a binding right/duty, tives around the threefold para- 7 Humanae Vitae, 18. even when it is not provided digm of begetting, living, and 8 Ibidem, 18. 9 L’Osservatore Romano, August 1, for or accepted by law. dying. 1968. The exercise of conscien- And in order to keep debat- 10 Evangelium Vitae, 52. able interpretations from pre- 11 Humanae Vitae, 13. tious objection commits one 12 Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, 25. not only to do nothing against vailing over the objective value 13 Evangelium vitae, 52. life, but also to defend it, in- of the content—as often hap- 14 Ibidem, 54. 15 The Pastoral Constitution Gaudium cluding sensitivity and hu- pens—in the drafting of the et Spes, nos. 51-52. maneness in this action and, fi- document preference was al- 16 PIUS XII, Allocution to Members of nally, practicing what is today ways given to directly incorpo- the Family Front, 43 (1951), p. 859. termed humanity in medicine. rating statements by the 17 Humanae Vitae, 24. This priority mission of Supreme Pontiffs or to authori- 18 Evangelium Vitae, 91. health workers is obvious. In tative texts published by the 19 Ibidem, 101. 20 Ibidem, 95. fact, life, from birth on, is par- departments of the Roman 21 JOHN PAUL II, Motu proprio Vitae ticularly entrusted to health Curia. These statements make Mysterium, in Acta Apostolicae Sedis, 86 workers, for the science and art it quite plain that the Church’s (1994), p. 386-387. 22 Evangelium Vitae, 89. Also see nos. of medicine are not additional- position on basic moral prob- 11, 26, 59, 66. ly, but exclusively directed to- lems—while firmly maintain- 23 Ibidem, 89. Cardinal Sodano’s Greeting for the Monterrey Congress

Reverend Father health workers at different face of the Redeemer, for by José Luis Redrado, O.H. hospitals. assisting them with love they Secretary of the The Holy Father recalls that serve Christ Himself (cf. Pontifical Council health workers who are faith- Lumen Gentium, 8). for Pastoral Assistance fully inspired by the directives In entrusting the Congress to Health Care Workers of the Church must also be an sessions to the Most Blessed Vatican City example of dedication, close Virgin, whom we invoke as the cooperation, and intelligent, “Health of the Sick,” and His Holiness John Paul II is effective coordination in the whom we ask to prompt the pleased to send a cordial greet- care of those who suffer, par- goodness and maternal con- ing to the participants in the ticularly the elderly, invalids, cern by which an authentic International Congress of Reli- the marginalized, and the vic- health ministry must be in- gious Institutions Engaged in tims of the new maladies af- spired, the Holy Father is 68 Health Care being held in flicting current society. In their pleased to impart to all the Monterrey in preparation for work of serving these persons, Congress participants his the Fourth World Day of the following the example of so Apostolic Blessing, as request- Sick and is pleased with this many consecrated souls in the ed. initiative aiming to promote field of health, he invites them renewed efforts towards col- to recognize in the poor and in ANGELO Cardinal SODANO laboration among Catholic those being tested by pain the Secretary of State of His Holiness

The First International and Second National Congress of Religious Institutions Working in Health Care

The First International and tant of FREM, and Brother wards conveyed the Bishops’ Second National Congress of Antonio Farré, Provincial of greeting. Religious Institutions Work- the Hospitaller Order. FERS Cardinal Adolfo Suárez ing in Health Care was held was represented by its Secre- Rivera, Archbishop of Mon- in the city of Monterrey, tary, Sister Belén Pachón, terrey, then officially wel- Mexico, February 7-9, 1996. and Brother José Carlos comed Congress partici- It was organized by the Mex- Bermejo, a Camillian. pants. ican Federation of Men and Rev. José L. Redrado next Women Religious in Nurs- greeted those present on be- ing, in collaboration with the 1. Inauguration half of Cardinal Fiorenzo Mexican Bishops’ Confer- of the Congress Angelini and the Pontifical ence Commission on Pas- Council for Pastoral Assis- toral Care in Health, as part Coordinated by Sister tance to Health Care Work- of the far-ranging national Lourdes Urrutia of the Con- ers, stressing the concept of celebration of the Fourth gregation of the Sisters of diakonia, health service, and World Day of the Sick. Charity of the Incarnate the fact that the Congress The Pontifical Council for Word, the Congress opened was a time of grace. Pastoral Assistance to Health with the Message of the Holy The inauguration conclud- Care Workers was represent- Father, signed by Cardinal ed with a greeting by Sister ed by its Secretary, Rev. José Angelo Sodano and read by Delfina María Moreno, Con- L. Redrado, OH, who arrived the Most Rev. José Lizares, gress President, who also in Monterrey in the company Chairman of the Mexican provided an overall view of of Rev. Justo Azpiroz, Na- Bishops’ Health Ministry the program. tional Ecclesiastical Assis- Commission, who after- 2. Major Topics recognition and distinction to 4. Challenges some persons and institu- and Commitments The Congress was divided tions that were especially into four sections: “Church noteworthy for their collabo- The following points were and Health,” “The Human- ration, commitment, and stressed. Pastoral Dimension,” “Pas- stimulus regarding care of toral Care and the Realities the sick and the health min- * To continue to promote of Our Time,” and “Aspects istry. training and accreditation for of Bioethics.” In the final message, Fa- the health apostolate by way In the first section, Church ther Redrado brought out the of a diploma in this field. and Health, we must stress increasing importance of the talk by Rev. José L. Re- training to produce effective * To set forth to the Bish- drado, Council Secretary, en- change in our healthcare ops’ Health Ministry Com- titled “The Pontifical Coun- presence and encouraged us mission the need to establish cil for Pastoral Assistance to to continue in our ministry of a Catholic Medical Associa- Health Care Workers: Ten diakonia under the protec- tion. Years of Activity.” Rev. tion of Our Lady of Fidel Martínez Ramírez then Guadalupe, the Star of Evan- * To reinforce our integra- spoke on “The Church and gelization. tion with the national hierar- the Healing Power of the The Congress ended with a chy so as to join forces and Gospel.” These two talks Mass, celebrated with great plan activities jointly. were completed by different solemnity, at which Cardinal It is to be noted that 450 panel discussions on the di- Adolfo Suárez, Archbishop persons, from 18 Mexican mension of human suffering, of Monterrey, presided, ac- States and 15 foreign coun- 69 the Mexican health system, a companied by numerous tries, attended the Congress. concrete look at healthcare concelebrants. The Congress was a very institutions, and also several At the end of the Mass, Fa- positive forum in the context workshops on humaneness in ther Redrado read the Letter of preparing and celebrating pastoral care, providing help, sent by the Pope to Cardinal the Fourth World Day of the and other topics. Fiorenzo Angelini, naming Sick. In the second section, on him as his Special Envoy for human and pastoral aspects, celebrations of the Fourth Sister DELFINA MARIA we should stress some mas- World Day of the Sick in MORENO, CCVI terful talks dealing with the Mexico. Head of the Organizing Committee presence of the religious life in the health field, technolo- gy and human dignity, and the rights of the sick. In the workshops attention focused on accompanying patients in human and spiri- tual terms. In the third section, on “pastoral care and the reali- ties of our time,” there was reflection on the hospital chaplain, responsibility for and coordination of the health apostolate, and as- pects of fostering humane- ness. In the workshops prac- tical facets were presented with a view towards pastoral planning in health care. The fourth section, which dealt with bioethics, focused attention on the ethics of organ transplants, genetic en- gineering, and the Church in the face of euthanasia, among other issues.

3. Acknowledgments and Final Message

During the Congress there was a moment for granting Faithfulness to the Spirit Is the Source of Creativity

GREETING OF REV. JOSÉ L. REDRADO, O.H. TO PARTICIPANTS AT THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL AND SECOND NATIONAL CON- GRESS OF RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS SERVING THE SICK

The holding of the Second groups, associations, and spond to the greatest chal- National and First Internation- forces which, at different lev- lenges, which represent the al Congress of Religious Insti- els and in varying ways work leading topics in the Congress tutions Serving the Sick in in this area.”1 program and basically con- Central and South America The holding of your Con- cern four areas: gives me the opportunity to gress at the same time as the Ð humanity in medicine; convey a warm, cordial greet- Fourth World Day of the Sick, Ð bioethics; ing on behalf of Cardinal which is being celebrated this Ð accompanying the sick, Fiorenzo Angelini, President year on your continent, pre- and particularly the dying, of our Council, to all the civil, cisely here in Mexico, is a pastorally and spiritually; 70 political, and religious author- happy coincidence, a kind of Ð the moral, religious, and ities present, to the organizers kairós. According to the Holy professional training of health of this important symposium, Father, the purpose of the workers. and to the Congress partici- World Day of the Sick is to The growing importance of pants, who have come from sensitize civil and political au- problems in bioethics as a cul- all the countries of Central thorities, health workers, and tural effort to respond to ethi- and South America to study Christian communities to the cal questions posed by together the best way to revi- complex and difficult prob- progress in the biomedical talize our healthcare institu- lems of the world of suffering, sciences and their applications tions so that they will be an which require a contribution to the field of medicine es- effective instrument for serv- by all extending from medi- capes no one. I am particular- ing suffering persons. cine and care to the social and ly referring to one area among In willingly accepting the organizational aspects, and in- many—that is, the widespread invitation addressed to it by cluding the humanistic and use of techniques for artificial the Organizing Committee, spiritual spheres. fertilization—which is modi- the Pontifical Council for Pas- In the message he addresses fying customs, or, rather, the toral Assistance to Health to the Christian communities culture of life, posing serious Care Workers, which I am for the Fourth World Day of and sometimes anguishing honored to represent, has the Sick John Paul II affirms ethical, legal, and religious wished to signify once more in this regard, “...You that are questions for families and so- its special attention to all the health workers—doctors, ciety in general. In this regard, initiatives which in any way pharmacists, nurses, chap- the Holy Father writes in the help health workers to acquire lains, men and women reli- Encyclical Evangelium Vitae: a solid and valid cultural ori- gious—and particularly you “Even the different techniques entation towards life and women, pioneers in health-re- of artificial reproduction, health, a basic premise for all lated and spiritual care of the which would seem to place working in the difficult field sick—all of you, become pro- themselves at the service of of illness and suffering. moters of communion among life and which are often prac- Our interest in the Catholic the sick, their relatives, and ticed with this intention, in re- organizations working in the the ecclesial community. Re- ality open the door to new at- world of health is also the pri- main alongside the sick and tempts on life. Beyond the mary institutional task of the their families, acting so that fact that they are morally un- Pontifical Office for Health. those being tested will never acceptable, since they dissoci- Indeed, in the Motu Proprio feel marginalized. The experi- ate procreation from the inte- Dolentium Hominum, the ence of pain will thus become grally human context of the Holy Father, John Paul II, en- a school of generous dedica- conjugal act, these techniques trusted to the Pontifical Coun- tion for each of them.”2 have a high failure rate, as re- cil for Pastoral Assistance to For health workers, then, gards not so much fertilization Health Care Workers the task there is no better way to cele- as the later development of of “stimulating and promoting brate it than by studying the the embryo, exposed to a risk the work of training, study, serious and complex problems of death within a generally and action carried out by the of the health world and seek- brief period. In addition, em- different Catholic Internation- ing together, as you will be bryos are sometimes produced al Organizations in the health doing here, the best manner in numbers superior to that field, in addition to other and most suitable means to re- necessary for implantation in the woman’s womb, and these In this spirit, I wish to ad- ments presenting themselves so-called extra embryos are dress a special word to the and enables them to adapt to then suppressed or used for men and women religious pre- new styles more in keeping research which, under the pre- sent here who work in the with the needs of men today.”7 text of scientific or medical world of suffering: your con- This willingness of yours progress, in reality reduces secration by vows to follow- will enable you to respond in human life to mere biological ing Christ constitutes an inex- a relevant, effective way to material to be disposed of haustible source of commit- the demands and challenges freely.”3 ment and creativity for new, of the world of suffering and The problem concerning courageous initiatives in the health. the accompaniment of the sick health ministry. In this con- The difficult social and and particularly the dying is nection, I wrote in an article health situation in Latin equally current and relevant. published for the Synod of America is a cause for con- In this regard, the Charter for Bishops on Consecrated Life: cern, as some epidemiological Health Care Workers brings “Faithfulness to the Spirit is a data demonstrate. out their need for “human and source of inspiration and cre- 1. About half the inhabi- Christian accompaniment, to ativity for new realities, start- tants are unable to meet their which doctors and nurses are ing from what surrounds us. It minimum caloric needs, and called to make their qualified was the Holy Spirit who this affects their physical and and indispensable contribu- spurred Founders to respond intellectual performance. tion.... It involves providing to urgent needs in the past. 2. Almost half the popula- special health care to the For this reason, in the name of tion lacks potable water. As a dying, so that man will be rec- the same charism they re- result, there are many gas- ognized and loved as a living ceived, today’s religious are trointestinal illnesses, and 71 being when dying, too.... The called to provide an up-to- general sanitary conditions attitude towards the terminal- date, creative response to the are reduced. ly ill is often the test of a sense urgent needs of our time; to 3. Children are most affect- of justice and charity, of a remain in those of the past ed by subhuman living condi- noble spirit, of the responsi- would mean to live outside of tions. This raises the mortality bility and professional capaci- our historical time, unable to rate in the 0 to 5 age group ty of health workers, begin- make the effective contribu- and increases the rate of child- ning with doctors.... Dying tion contemporary man re- hood diseases such as bron- belongs to life as its final quires; it would mean separat- chitis, dysentery, and parasitic stage. It should thus be attend- ing themselves from the inspi- illnesses. ed to as this moment. It there- rational dynamic of the Holy 4. Hospital facilities, doc- fore challenges the health Spirit and, out of infidelity, tors, dentists, and nurses are worker’s therapeutic responsi- betraying the charism belong- insufficient, especially in rural bility, like, and no less than, ing to every religious founda- areas and the outskirts of every other moment of human tion.... The difficulties holding cities. Because of high costs, life. Not only should the dying back this creativity center on health care ends up being the not be discharged as incurable the fact of living on the fringe privilege of a few.8 and abandoned to their soli- of reality, on making struc- At our Tenth International tude and that of their families, tures sacred, on a lack of Conference held at the Vati- but they should be entrusted Gospel discernment which can, November 23-25, 1995 anew to the care of doctors keeps them from listening to (“Vade et Tu Fac Similiter: and nurses, who, by interact- the Holy Spirit.”6 Therefore, From Hippocrates to the Good ing and integrating them- “women religious in health Samaritan”), the Holy Father, selves with the assistance pro- care, in the present circum- John Paul II, summarized the vided by chaplains, social stances, feel a deep call to twofold value of medicine as workers, volunteers, relatives, conversion and willingness, follows: “Medicine does not and friends, enable the dying which requires of them radical limit itself to safeguarding to accept and live through commitment in the most ur- and recovering health, but death.”4 gent situations, wherever the makes the medical profession The celebrations of the sense of man is at stake. They a school for valuing suffering Fifth Centennial of the evan- know this conversion is, and service to it.”9 In these gelization of Latin America above all, a return to the maxi- thoughts of the Holy Father brought out the historical and mum essence of the Gospel, we find the deepest meaning theological bond between on the basis of which they will of serving the suffering, of evangelization and care of the be able to respond to the chal- which the pair, Hip- sick. We can thus understand lenges of the world of health. pocrates/Good Samaritan, is the special attention which the The willingness of women re- paradigmatic and which the Holy Father, John Paul II, has ligious in health to continue to Holy Father expressed with always shown for the suffer- be a prophetic announcement these words in his Apostolic ing, whom he does not hesi- of God, an announcement of Letter Salvifici Doloris: “to do tate to regard as one of the the infinite mercy of the Fa- good to those suffering and do most important ways the ther in the world of pain, gives good with one’s own suffer- Church travels over in evan- them assistance and strength ing.”10 gelization.5 to take on the new commit- As I reiterate my best wish- es for the successful outcome REV. JOSÉ L. REDRADO’S CONCLUDING STATEMENT of your Congress sessions, I AT THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL take this occasion to thank the organizers once again who AND SECOND NATIONAL CONGRESS have invited me to take the OF RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS SERVING THE SICK floor at this important event. I entrust your initiatives and your projects to Our Lady, Mater Infirmorum, so that She may assist and accompany you in your diakonia on be- I will try to be brief so as logue. We are emerging from half of your suffering brothers not to abuse your patience, the scientific positivism of and sisters. which has been severely the last century to enter into a tried during the three days of new era in which man will your Congress. I wish to always be the center and stress some of the many measure of every form of ideas and considerations knowledge. which have emerged here. 1 Cf. JOHN PAUL II, Motu Proprio Do- 4. For health workers and lentium Hominum, no. 5, 1. 2 JOHN PAUL II, Message for the 1. The holistic approach to particularly for the men and Fourth World Day of the Sick, February the questions posed in the women religious committed 11, 1996, no. 7. world of suffering brings out to the world of suffering, the 3 JOHN PAUL II, Encyclical Evangeli- um Vitae; no. 14. a psychic, somatic, and spiri- hospital becomes the place 72 4 Pontifical Council for Pastoral As- tual vision of the sick person. for witnessing to Christ’s sistance to Health Care Workers, Char- ter for Health Care Workers, nos. 115- Many speakers have thus— charity towards the suffering. 116. and rightly so—stressed the It is important and equally 5 Cf. FIORENZO CARDINAL ANGELINI, importance not only of med- urgent for your institutions to La prima evangelizzazione in America Latina e l’attenzione della Chiesa per ical and health care, but also bear clear, unequivocal gli infermi (Vatican City, 1992), p. 15. of pastoral accompaniment Gospel witness, including re- JOHN PAUL II, Motu Proprio Dolen- of the health worker, along spect for the teachings of the tium Hominum, no. 1. Church. Following the ex- JOHN PAUL II, Apostolic Letter Salvi- with the patient. fici Doloris, no. 3. ample of the Son of Man, 6 J.L. REDRADO, “Evangelizzazione e 2. There has been mention who preached the Gospel mondo sanitario: una sfida ai religiosi della sanità,” in “Curate infirmos” e la of the Gospel of suffering, during his public life, while vita consacrata (Vatican City, 1994), p. which sees in Jesus Christ at the same time caring for 126. the Good Samaritan who en- the sick, religious, too, 7 T. LOPEZ-BEORLEGUI, “Le religiose sanitarie e la loro missione nel campo counters the suffering of oth- should consider evangeliza- della salute,” in “Curate infirmos” e la ers to relieve it or even heal tion and care of the sick to be vita consacrata (Vatican City, 1994), p. it. Some talks have brought an inseparable pair. 108. 8 J.L. REDRADO, “Evangelization and out the other aspect of the the Health Ministry in Latin America,” Christian significance of suf- 5. The quality of life of Dolentium Hominum. Church and fering—that is, the saving your Christian communities Health in the World, no. 12 (1990), 64- 67. value of suffering, which, in and of your religious conse- 9 Cf. JOHN PAUL II, Closing Address a perspective of faith in the cration is measured by the at the Tenth International Congress held mystery of the Cross, be- capacity to “give those suf- in Vatican City, November 23-25, 1995, no. 3. comes a Kairos for those fering not only the comfort 10 Cf. JOHN PAUL II, Apostolic Letter who complete in their bodies of physical care, but also that Salvifici Doloris, no. 30. what is lacking to the suffer- of spiritual support, by open- ings of Christ (cf. Col 1:24). ing to them the consoling prospects of faith.”1 3. The interest aroused in As I cordially take leave of different professional envi- everyone attending this sym- ronments and especially posium, I address Our Lady among health workers by of Guadalupe, the hope and bioethical questions demon- consolation of the sick and strates how urgent a new star of evangelization, who synthesis of knowledge is has been venerated for five wherein interdisciplinary di- centuries with such great de- alogue becomes the key votion, asking that She show method to respond to queries us the way leading to Jesus posed by progress and the Christ, the only savior of the applications of science to world, the physician of the life. Thanks to bioethics, body and of the soul. specialists from disciplines that seemed to be in opposi- tion—like philosophy, theol- 1 Cf. JOHN PAUL II, Message for the ogy, and the natural sci- Fourth World Day of the Sick, Febru- ences—can meet and dia- ary 11, 1996, no. 4.