Life in death

77
 The title of this book may seem provocative: “Life in death.” It wouldThe title of this book may seem provocative: “Life in death.” It would
seem more logical to say the contrary: “Death in life”, given that life endsseem more logical to say the contrary: “Death in life”, given that life ends
with death. Nevertheless, the title is more logical than what one maywith death. Nevertheless, the title is more logical than what one may
think, because it corresponds to the only reality that gives sense tothink, because it corresponds to the only reality that gives sense to
everything, and thus enables everything to be logical. If human life wereeverything, and thus enables everything to be logical. If human life were
to end with death, nothing would have sense. This title touches theto end with death, nothing would have sense. This title touches the
central aspect of Christianity: the resurrection of Christ. He is the Onecentral aspect of Christianity: the resurrection of Christ. He is the One
who gives us life in death through the resurrection.who gives us life in death through the resurrection.
 In the book we ask ourselves how this happens, and the answer is:In the book we ask ourselves how this happens, and the answer is:
through Health Pastoral Care. We develop the answer in two parts: in thethrough Health Pastoral Care. We develop the answer in two parts: in the
first part we try to explain what Health Pastoral Care is, and in the secondfirst part we try to explain what Health Pastoral Care is, and in the second
part we treat the essential themes that are the basis of an authenticpart we treat the essential themes that are the basis of an authentic
Health Pastoral Care.Health Pastoral Care.
 I am very grateful to Cardinal Paul Poupard, emeritus President of theI am very grateful to Cardinal Paul Poupard, emeritus President of the
Pontifical Council for Culture and Inter-religious Dialogue, who paid mePontifical Council for Culture and Inter-religious Dialogue, who paid me
the tribute of writing a beautiful Preface, making a complete and profoundthe tribute of writing a beautiful Preface, making a complete and profound
presentation of the book: I am sure that reading it will be very beneficial.presentation of the book: I am sure that reading it will be very beneficial.

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CONTENTSCONTENTSPrefacePreface
FIRST PART:FIRST PART:
HEALTH PASTORAL CARE IN THE CHURCHHEALTH PASTORAL CARE IN THE CHURCH
I.I. The Present State of Health Pastoral CareThe Present State of Health Pastoral Care
II.II.
What is Health Pastoral Care? What Should be DonWhat is Health Pastoral Care? What Should be Don
III.III. How Should it be Done?How Should it be Done?
SECOND PART:SECOND PART:
CENTRAL THEMES IN HEALTH PASTORAL CARECENTRAL THEMES IN HEALTH PASTORAL CARE
I.I. Life, Giving of LoveLife, Giving of Love
II.II. Pain, Enigma or Mystery?Pain, Enigma or Mystery?
III.III. ViaticumViaticum
IV.IV. HealthHealth 1010

1111
CONTENTS:CONTENTS:
PrefacePreface
IntroductionIntroduction
First Part :First Part : HEALTH PASTORAL CARE IN THE CHURCH.HEALTH PASTORAL CARE IN THE CHURCH.
I. Present SituationI. Present Situation
1. Present Situation1. Present Situation
2. Positive and Negative Points2. Positive and Negative Points
II. What is Health Pastoral Care? What Should be Done?II. What is Health Pastoral Care? What Should be Done?
1. The Gospels1. The Gospels
2. The Pontifical Magisterium2. The Pontifical Magisterium
III. How Should it be Done?III. How Should it be Done?
1. Elaboration according to the Ministries in the Church1. Elaboration according to the Ministries in the Church
2. Elaboration according to the Objectives2. Elaboration according to the Objectives
3. Practical Proposals:3. Practical Proposals:
- Challenges- Challenges
- General Proposals- General Proposals
- Ways- Ways
- Answers- Answers
1111

1212
Second Part:Second Part: CENTRAL THEMES IN HEALTH PASTORALCENTRAL THEMES IN HEALTH PASTORAL
CARECARE
Chapter 1:Chapter 1: LIFE, GIVING OF LOVELIFE, GIVING OF LOVE
I.I. Scientific FoundationScientific Foundation
 The Beginning of Human LifeThe Beginning of Human Life
 The Initial Elements of Human LifeThe Initial Elements of Human Life
 ConclusionsConclusions
II.II. Philosophical FoundationPhilosophical Foundation
 Opposition of ContradictionOpposition of Contradiction
 Opposition of ContrarietyOpposition of Contrariety
III.III. Theological ReflectionTheological Reflection
 Life in the Most Holy TrinityLife in the Most Holy Trinity
 Life in the IncarnationLife in the Incarnation
 Contradiction taken on in ContrarietyContradiction taken on in Contrariety
CONCLUSIONSCONCLUSIONS
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1313
Chapter 2:Chapter 2: PAIN AND DEATH: ENIGMA ORPAIN AND DEATH: ENIGMA OR
MYSTERY?MYSTERY?
Types of KnowledgeTypes of Knowledge
1. Medical Observations on Pain1. Medical Observations on Pain
2. Solutions of the Great2. Solutions of the Great
ReligionsReligions
3. Dialogue with Christianity3. Dialogue with Christianity
I. The Enigma of PainI. The Enigma of Pain
1. Existential Approach1. Existential Approach
2. Reflection on the Experience2. Reflection on the Experience
II. The MysteryII. The Mystery
1. Evil and Suffering1. Evil and Suffering
2. Christ takes on Suffering2. Christ takes on Suffering
and Transforms itand Transforms it
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III. CommentsIII. Comments
1. Epistemological Status1. Epistemological Status
2. The Gradual Approach of the2. The Gradual Approach of the
Thought of John Paul IIThought of John Paul II
3. The Core of the Mystery3. The Core of the Mystery
4. Understanding the Mystery4. Understanding the Mystery
5. From Suffering to Solidarity5. From Suffering to Solidarity
6. Constitutive Solidarity in Christ6. Constitutive Solidarity in Christ
7. Suffering considered from7. Suffering considered from
ResurrectionResurrection
8. The Meaning of the Glorious8. The Meaning of the Glorious
CrossCross
ConclusionConclusion

1414
Chapter 3:Chapter 3: VIATICUMVIATICUM
1. Palliative care1. Palliative care
2. Catholic Spiritual Palliative2. Catholic Spiritual Palliative
CareCare
3. The Second Vatican Council3. The Second Vatican Council
4. Viaticum: the Core of the4. Viaticum: the Core of the
ReflectionReflection
I. Death and LifeI. Death and Life
1. Viaticum as the Apex of1. Viaticum as the Apex of
LifeLife
2. The Meaning of Death2. The Meaning of Death
II. CommunionII. Communion
1. Obscurity and Loneliness1. Obscurity and Loneliness
2. Viaticum: Light2. Viaticum: Light
3. Accompanying3. Accompanying
4. Proportions4. Proportions
III. EternityIII. Eternity
1. Eucharistic Presence1. Eucharistic Presence
2. Eternity2. Eternity
3. Immutability3. Immutability
4. Divinization through the4. Divinization through the
ViaticumViaticum
5. The Bridge to be Crossed5. The Bridge to be Crossed
6. The Dynamism of the6. The Dynamism of the
ViaticumViaticum
ConclusionConclusion
Palliative Care?Palliative Care?
1414

1515
Chapter 4:Chapter 4: HEALTHHEALTH
I. What is Health?I. What is Health?
1. Definitions1. Definitions
2. Observations2. Observations
II. Health as a tension towardsII. Health as a tension towards
harmony:harmony:
Religious backgroundReligious background
Old TestamentOld Testament
New TestamentNew Testament
III. Elements of John Paul II’sIII. Elements of John Paul II’s
Definition of Health:Definition of Health:
1. Tension1. Tension
2. Harmony2. Harmony
3. Physical3. Physical
4. Psychological4. Psychological
5. Social5. Social
6. Spiritual6. Spiritual
7. Unification7. Unification
8. Way8. Way
9. Diversity of Health9. Diversity of Health

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Chapter 5:Chapter 5: PROFILE OF THE CATHOLICPROFILE OF THE CATHOLIC
PROFESSOR OF MEDICINEPROFESSOR OF MEDICINE
Introduction:Introduction:
CultureCulture
The TeacherThe Teacher
I. THE CATHOLIC PROFESSOR OFI. THE CATHOLIC PROFESSOR OF
MEDICINEMEDICINE
1. The Catholic Teacher of Medicine1. The Catholic Teacher of Medicine
2. The Teacher of Medicine as a2. The Teacher of Medicine as a
ProfessorProfessor
II. IDENTITY OF THE CATHOLICII. IDENTITY OF THE CATHOLIC
PHYSICIANPHYSICIAN
1. Charter for Health Care Workers1. Charter for Health Care Workers
2. Vocation and the Church: Three2. Vocation and the Church: Three
Characteristics of VocationCharacteristics of Vocation
A. BEINGA. BEING
1. The Profession1. The Profession
2. The Love of God2. The Love of God
3. Life3. Life
4. Medical Training4. Medical Training
B.B. WITHWITH
1. Revelation of Christ1. Revelation of Christ
2. Pain2. Pain
3. Health3. Health
C.C. FORFOR
1. Openness to the Patient1. Openness to the Patient
2. Fundamental Qualities of2. Fundamental Qualities of
the Physicianthe Physician
3. Portrait of the Physician3. Portrait of the Physician
4. Morality and Law4. Morality and Law
5. Teamwork5. Teamwork
1616

1818
PrefacePreface
It is a true privilege for me to write a preface to this work, LIFE IN DEATH,
by my brother, neighbour and friend, Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragán, the
President of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers.
 With this evocative title, whose words ring out loud and clear as a
forcefully-made proclamation, the principal figure responsible for Health
Pastoral Care within the institutions of the Roman Curia that help the Holy
Father in his “care for all Churches” presents us with strong beliefs that are
underpinned by solid foundations and accompanied by a rich
documentation. His aim is to support the pastoral action of the whole of the
Church in this limitless field in which a determining struggle is under way
against the counter-culture of death, which is now invading the world at the
dawn of the new millennium.

1919
 In a notable pedagogic presentation, in which images of various
nuances command the attention of the reader and help him to remember a
summary of the points that are luminously expounded, the Cardinal
emphasises the striking statistics that reflect the centuries-old commitment
of the Church to service to the sick and the immense cohorts of all those
who suffer in the world, in the vastness of the five continents. However, he
does not conceal the growing shadows that are provoked by a galloping
secularisation of devastating effects, a true steamroller, which, if we are
not careful, will tend to reduce charity to mere philanthropy, depriving it of
its Christological roots and mutilating its eschatological dimension.
 “The truth is that only in the mystery of the incarnate Word does the
mystery of man take on light…Through Christ and in Christ, the riddles of
sorrow and death grow meaningful. Apart from His Gospel, they
overwhelm us. Christ has risen, destroying death by His death; He has
lavished life upon us so that, as sons in the Son, we can cry out in the
Spirit; Abba, Father!” (Gaudium et Spes, n. 22).

2020
Without this great vision of faith observed to us by the Second Vatican Council,
charity is transmuted into compassion, theological hope is reduced to human hope,
and the struggle for life becomes deprived of its principal motivation – the
safeguarding of that image of God which is every human person, beginning with the
weakest and the poorest, created in the image and likeness of his Creator, whose
mortal body, enveloped by his immortal soul, is called, beyond earthly death, to the
resurrection of the flesh and to eternal life, as indeed we profess in the Creed.
“How can I know where I am going if I do not know where I come from?”, his
Royal Highness Otto of Habsburg declared in his nineties. Although we live
ineluctably in this fleeting world, passing from the cradle to the grave, our faith
transcends the dramatic closure of this mortal finitude and opens it to an eternal
future of beauty, love and peace.
“Man rise infinitely above man”, wrote Pascal in one of his striking Thoughts, which
continue to make us reflect still today. “I do not die, I enter life”, the little Theresa
confided with faith in the infirmary of Carmel of Lisieux, at the moment of her return
to the heavenly Father.

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While the notable advances of technological developments and the growing
influence of the mass media are forming a new spirit based on positivism and
practical behaviour that is impregnated with a profound materialism, the dominant
culture sees death only as a definitive failure whose ineluctable expiry date is
continually rejected without, however, being able to be definitively exorcised. The life
sciences themselves would appear to reduce man to being only a living being
amongst other living beings, that is to say they would dissolve him, were they to
prove that life, however complex it may be, is reduced to nothing else but vulnerable
matter that is irremediably perishable. Like light broken down by a prism, man runs
the risk of being broken down by a clinical outlook that no longer manages to grasp
his living being in its personal unity and integrity.
All of this draws attention to the importance of a Pastoral Care in Health that is
based upon belief in the transcendence of man, a singular being who cannot be
reduced to the level of other living beings and to the mechanisms that structure
exchanges of energy. The man of the age of information technology and
disenchanted modernity, between the will to live and the certainty of dying needs to
rediscover in the faith in life after death, the strength to lead with serenity his
mysterious and shadowy passage towards the light. This is the horizon that Cardinal
Barragán gives to Health Pastoral Care, illustrating clearly how God, the Father of all
men, reconciled death with life through the death and resurrection of His beloved
Son Jesus, the son of the Virgin Mary.

2222
Of particular eloquence here is the author’s preliminary list of the Biblical
foundations of Health Pastoral Care, beginning with the inescapable reference to
the Good Shepherd of chapter ten of the Gospel of St. John, the Good Samaritan,
who continues to inspire the Church in her inexhaustible charity for the sick and for
all those who suffer in body and soul, to help them to live according to the ancient
adage mens sana in corpore sano.
With the Cardinal we follow Jesus through the streets of Palestine as he
unceasingly heals the sick and raises the dead. We reflect profitably on the
teaching of the Popes of our time, in particular the luminous Apostolic Letter of the
Servant of God John Paul II, Salvifici Doloris, and the reiterated appeals of his
successor, Pope Benedict XVI, for the formation of consciences and respectful
dialogue with non-believers.
 Nourished by these luminous teachings, Health Pastoral Care is offered to the
whole of the Church under the vigorous impulse of the Pontifical Council led by
Cardinal Barragán, who has recently successfully overcome a serious operation, in
a sequence that is limpid in all its components: “Challenges, Proposals, Ways,
Answers”.

2323
The maternal care of the Church for all sick and infirm people is expressed in the
teaching of hope in the resurrection, the sanctification of the sacraments, through
Anointing of the Sick, the Eucharist, and in particular Holy Viaticum, and fraternal
contacts impregnated with sensitivity.
Life in Death. In this valuable vademecum, with its philosophical, theological and
scientific facts on life and death, health, an ideal profile of the Christian medical
doctor and the Catholic idea of medical science and art could not but be present.
Far from replacing the local Churches, the Pontifical Council for Health Care
Workers, like all the dicasteries of the Roman Curia, has no other aim than that of
helping them to promote, direct, develop and coordinate the care of the whole of the
Church in this privileged sphere, something which requires a profound vision of
faith, steady hope, and charity without restrictions, following the example of Christ
the Good Shepherd, the Good Samaritan and divine Physician of bodies and souls.
We should thank Cardinal Barragán for offering us this valuable “service of love”
(Benedict XVI, Deus Caritas Est, n. 28).
From the Vatican, 11 June 2008
Cardinal Paul Poupard,
President Emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Culture and
the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue

2424
INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION
Thanks to the advanced state of sciences and technology, many things that onceThanks to the advanced state of sciences and technology, many things that once
seemed impossible to us, today they are completely ordinary. It suffices to thinkseemed impossible to us, today they are completely ordinary. It suffices to think
about the means of social communication; because of the “internet” the telegramabout the means of social communication; because of the “internet” the telegram
was the first become outdated. Today one hardly sends a telegram. With thewas the first become outdated. Today one hardly sends a telegram. With the
wonder of mobile telephones we are increasingly closer to each other. Think aboutwonder of mobile telephones we are increasingly closer to each other. Think about
the “video conferences” by which we communicate live, using both sound andthe “video conferences” by which we communicate live, using both sound and
images. It would seem that in our era everything is possible. If not in our presentimages. It would seem that in our era everything is possible. If not in our present
time, it is possible in a virtuality that promises a proximate or remote future withtime, it is possible in a virtuality that promises a proximate or remote future with
technology that is up to now unforeseen. Not to talk about the field of Biogeneticstechnology that is up to now unforeseen. Not to talk about the field of Biogenetics
with the wonders it offers us.with the wonders it offers us.
Biomedicine is trying to cross all frontiers. Over the last years, the average age ofBiomedicine is trying to cross all frontiers. Over the last years, the average age of
humanity has increased considerably. Nevertheless, there is something that is nothumanity has increased considerably. Nevertheless, there is something that is not
yet overcome, neither will it ever be overcome, even with the highest progress ofyet overcome, neither will it ever be overcome, even with the highest progress of
science and technology in the most distant future, and that is the death.science and technology in the most distant future, and that is the death.
From the non-technological epochs to the present era people have desired to findFrom the non-technological epochs to the present era people have desired to find
“the source of perennial youth,” all in vain. The very aging of the cells and the“the source of perennial youth,” all in vain. The very aging of the cells and the
impossibility of replacing them in an advanced state of illness or old age, speak toimpossibility of replacing them in an advanced state of illness or old age, speak to
us of the scientific absurdity of being able to defeat death.us of the scientific absurdity of being able to defeat death.
In front of the inevitability of the end, our present society tries to hide death,In front of the inevitability of the end, our present society tries to hide death,
since held within its technical-scientific parameters, it does not find an answer atsince held within its technical-scientific parameters, it does not find an answer at
all. Moreover, it suffers defeat daily.all. Moreover, it suffers defeat daily.

2525
Thank God reality is not simply wrapped up in the parameters of scientific andThank God reality is not simply wrapped up in the parameters of scientific and
technological transformations. There are domains that are much more valid thantechnological transformations. There are domains that are much more valid than
those subject to the empirical scientific and technological experience, whichthose subject to the empirical scientific and technological experience, which
actually give us the deep vision of what we have available for achieving wondersactually give us the deep vision of what we have available for achieving wonders
that infinitely overcome the transformations of this same reality through itsthat infinitely overcome the transformations of this same reality through its
exploitation.exploitation.
This is precisely the goal of Health Pastoral Care: to overcome death byThis is precisely the goal of Health Pastoral Care: to overcome death by
harmonizing it with life. We appreciate and take all the sciences andharmonizing it with life. We appreciate and take all the sciences and
technologies into consideration, but we do not stop there. We go beyond themtechnologies into consideration, but we do not stop there. We go beyond them
by entering into the reality itself. We know that the complexity of the reality isby entering into the reality itself. We know that the complexity of the reality is
not exhausted in quantitative terms. Its quality is such that what is more realnot exhausted in quantitative terms. Its quality is such that what is more real
remains in the light and shades of the mystery.remains in the light and shades of the mystery.
We do not venture into something irrational, but in something that astounds, forWe do not venture into something irrational, but in something that astounds, for
being founded on utmost rationality, it exceeds it surpassing our own capacitybeing founded on utmost rationality, it exceeds it surpassing our own capacity
and does not require empirical knowledge but rather knowledge that is beyondand does not require empirical knowledge but rather knowledge that is beyond
the empirical. It is knowledge that surpasses comprehension of things that canthe empirical. It is knowledge that surpasses comprehension of things that can
be manipulated. It is knowledge based on what can be observed, however forbe manipulated. It is knowledge based on what can be observed, however for
this observation one needs a supplement of vision called faith. Thus that whichthis observation one needs a supplement of vision called faith. Thus that which
is observable turns into something adorable. And it is this knowledge changedis observable turns into something adorable. And it is this knowledge changed
into adoration that can finally give us the only way of overcoming death withinto adoration that can finally give us the only way of overcoming death with
death itself, and make it become an inexhaustible source of life.death itself, and make it become an inexhaustible source of life.

2626
How can this overcoming, this conversion of the tomb into a cradle beHow can this overcoming, this conversion of the tomb into a cradle be
achieved? This is the reason that moved me to write these few ideasachieved? This is the reason that moved me to write these few ideas
concerning the work we do in the Pontifical Council for Healthcareconcerning the work we do in the Pontifical Council for Healthcare
Workers. Certainly this is the nucleus of the Redemption that ChristWorkers. Certainly this is the nucleus of the Redemption that Christ
offers us, which exceeds a lot what can be said in Health Pastoraloffers us, which exceeds a lot what can be said in Health Pastoral
Care. My intention is to outline only some ideas from the GospelCare. My intention is to outline only some ideas from the Gospel
itself, the way the Popes have interpreted it in relation to this Pastoralitself, the way the Popes have interpreted it in relation to this Pastoral
Care, and the work we are doing in this Dicastery so as to realize thisCare, and the work we are doing in this Dicastery so as to realize this
divine wonder: to reconcile life with death and death with life; thedivine wonder: to reconcile life with death and death with life; the
harmony between life and death.harmony between life and death.
In this respect, one of the most important duties of this PontificalIn this respect, one of the most important duties of this Pontifical
Council is to enlighten people on all that concerns Pastoral Care inCouncil is to enlighten people on all that concerns Pastoral Care in
Health. It is therefore important to answer the question: what isHealth. It is therefore important to answer the question: what is
Health Pastoral Care? To offer some ideas that can help us arrive atHealth Pastoral Care? To offer some ideas that can help us arrive at
this answer is the objective that I intend to and will try to pursue inthis answer is the objective that I intend to and will try to pursue in
the following way:the following way:
The book is divided into two parts. In the first part, after the initialThe book is divided into two parts. In the first part, after the initial
general presentation of Health Pastoral Care, I will discuss threegeneral presentation of Health Pastoral Care, I will discuss three
points: To begin with, I talk about the state of Health Pastoral Care inpoints: To begin with, I talk about the state of Health Pastoral Care in
the world, giving its positive and negative points; subsequently I trythe world, giving its positive and negative points; subsequently I try
to answer the question on what Health Pastoral Care is from theto answer the question on what Health Pastoral Care is from the
perspective of the Gospels and the Pontifical Doctrine; finally as aperspective of the Gospels and the Pontifical Doctrine; finally as a
third step I will present what should be done so as to realize thisthird step I will present what should be done so as to realize this
Pastoral Care in Health: the challenges, proposals, ways and answers.Pastoral Care in Health: the challenges, proposals, ways and answers.
2626

27272727
Considering these perspectives I present some elements that I deemConsidering these perspectives I present some elements that I deem
important for the planning of Health Pastoral Care, be it at the level of ourimportant for the planning of Health Pastoral Care, be it at the level of our
Dicastery or that of the Episcopal conferences, dioceses and parishes; as wellDicastery or that of the Episcopal conferences, dioceses and parishes; as well
as the various religious charismas, orders and congregations that areas the various religious charismas, orders and congregations that are
involved in Health Pastoral Careinvolved in Health Pastoral Care..
I conclude the first part of the book indicating the way according to which I tryI conclude the first part of the book indicating the way according to which I try
to realize my proposal: to show how God our Father reconciled death with lifeto realize my proposal: to show how God our Father reconciled death with life
in the death and resurrection of his Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ.in the death and resurrection of his Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ.
The second part applies what Health Pastoral Care is to its crucial points,The second part applies what Health Pastoral Care is to its crucial points,
developing in five chapters the themes of life, suffering and death togetherdeveloping in five chapters the themes of life, suffering and death together
with the Sacrament of the Viaticum, and the theme of the health itself. Andwith the Sacrament of the Viaticum, and the theme of the health itself. And
the last chapter seeks to respond to the question on how to communicatethe last chapter seeks to respond to the question on how to communicate
nowadays these profound truths of Christianity to our contemporaries, evennowadays these profound truths of Christianity to our contemporaries, even
from the academic point of view.from the academic point of view.
The reflection that I now present can serve as a simple GUIDE FOR HEALTHThe reflection that I now present can serve as a simple GUIDE FOR HEALTH
PASTORAL CARE. It is a very general Guide that has to be appliedPASTORAL CARE. It is a very general Guide that has to be applied
practically in the dioceses and in the parishes according to the different localpractically in the dioceses and in the parishes according to the different local
circumstancescircumstances..

28282828
Regarding the method that I will use, it will be a combination of written textRegarding the method that I will use, it will be a combination of written text
and audiovisual presentation.and audiovisual presentation.
It is said that human culture has gone through three major formulations, thatIt is said that human culture has gone through three major formulations, that
is: the oral, written and audiovisual cultures. The oral culture is structured inis: the oral, written and audiovisual cultures. The oral culture is structured in
the meeting between persons; the written in the book and in the law; and thethe meeting between persons; the written in the book and in the law; and the
audiovisual in the news and in shows. It is also said that today we are actuallyaudiovisual in the news and in shows. It is also said that today we are actually
in the audiovisual culture, in which technology triumphs as the great conquerorin the audiovisual culture, in which technology triumphs as the great conqueror
of the limitations of space and timeof the limitations of space and time [1][1]..
Therefore, in the methodological presentation, I intend to use the three toolsTherefore, in the methodological presentation, I intend to use the three tools
of cultural transmission in such way that the fundamental ideas presented inof cultural transmission in such way that the fundamental ideas presented in
the ordinary text can stand out clearly with the help of special text format,the ordinary text can stand out clearly with the help of special text format,
voice, images, color and movement. The ordinary text will be interrupted atvoice, images, color and movement. The ordinary text will be interrupted at
particular points where it is deemed useful to insert a synthesis, an image or aparticular points where it is deemed useful to insert a synthesis, an image or a
video-clip. This presentation can be viewed on the screen of the computer. Forvideo-clip. This presentation can be viewed on the screen of the computer. For
this purpose a CD is offered, attached in the 3 cover page of the book. Thethis purpose a CD is offered, attached in the 3 cover page of the book. The
audiovisual presentation contains 9 video-clips and 637 slides. The video-clipsaudiovisual presentation contains 9 video-clips and 637 slides. The video-clips
offer a synthetic explanation of the various parts of the book and are situatedoffer a synthetic explanation of the various parts of the book and are situated
before the presentation of the parts they refer to.before the presentation of the parts they refer to.
[1][1] Cf. P. Morande,Cf. P. Morande, ““El indiferentismo religioso en América Latina. Desafíos pastorales,”El indiferentismo religioso en América Latina. Desafíos pastorales,” inin AteísmoAteísmo
y Fe XXVII-1,y Fe XXVII-1, 12-1812-18..

2929
I have to specify that two of the themes presented here, I had alreadyI have to specify that two of the themes presented here, I had already
discussed them elsewhere; they are significantly developed here, becausediscussed them elsewhere; they are significantly developed here, because
of their pertinence to the core of Pastoral Care in Health and for the noveltyof their pertinence to the core of Pastoral Care in Health and for the novelty
in the method, especially in as much as we try to present in a sensible andin the method, especially in as much as we try to present in a sensible and
concrete way through the different images, movements and colours, thatconcrete way through the different images, movements and colours, that
which in itself would otherwise be abstract. Here I would like to refer towhich in itself would otherwise be abstract. Here I would like to refer to
chapters two and four in the second part of the book; these themeschapters two and four in the second part of the book; these themes
(suffering and the physician) I had already discussed them in the book(suffering and the physician) I had already discussed them in the book
Teologia y MedicinaTeologia y Medicina, EDB (2001)., EDB (2001).
This book represents the fruits of my personal experience in almostThis book represents the fruits of my personal experience in almost
twelve years as President of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workerstwelve years as President of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers
(for Health Pastoral Care).(for Health Pastoral Care).
It is my duty to thank all those who have made the publication of thisIt is my duty to thank all those who have made the publication of this
book in its audiovisual complexity, possible.book in its audiovisual complexity, possible.

3030
I particularly thank His Excellency Mgr. José Luis Redrado O.H.,I particularly thank His Excellency Mgr. José Luis Redrado O.H.,
Secretary of the Pontifical Council, Rev. Fr. Felice Ruffini M.I., theSecretary of the Pontifical Council, Rev. Fr. Felice Ruffini M.I., the
Undersecretary, for his efficient collaboration, Rev. Fr. Federico LombardiUndersecretary, for his efficient collaboration, Rev. Fr. Federico Lombardi
S.J., for the recording of the “Video-clips” at theS.J., for the recording of the “Video-clips” at the Centro Televisivo VaticanoCentro Televisivo Vaticano,,
Rev. Sr. Juliana Gomes Resende for her precious collaboration, Rev. Fr.Rev. Sr. Juliana Gomes Resende for her precious collaboration, Rev. Fr.
Charles Namugera, Rev. Mgr. Antonio Soto, and many others who haveCharles Namugera, Rev. Mgr. Antonio Soto, and many others who have
helped me in the arrangement, translation and correction of the texts in thehelped me in the arrangement, translation and correction of the texts in the
different languages. A special thanks also goes to the publisher “Velar” fordifferent languages. A special thanks also goes to the publisher “Velar” for
the excellent job done.the excellent job done.
May Our Lady, “Health of the Sick” accept this effort and render it usefulMay Our Lady, “Health of the Sick” accept this effort and render it useful
for the sick people, and for the many healthcare professionals and workersfor the sick people, and for the many healthcare professionals and workers
who want to practice their faith through the exercise of Medicine.who want to practice their faith through the exercise of Medicine.
Vatican City, 15 August 2008, Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady.Vatican City, 15 August 2008, Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady.
Javier Cardinal Lozano Barragán
President of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers
(for Health Pastoral Care)

3131
METHODOLOGYMETHODOLOGY
I first present theI first present the continuouscontinuous text.text.
I then illustrate the salient points inI then illustrate the salient points in
the text usingthe text using images, syntheses andimages, syntheses and
video-clips.video-clips.
The images or syntheses areThe images or syntheses are
presented usingpresented using variousvarious colourscolours,,
according to the sequence of ideas.according to the sequence of ideas.
It is aIt is a multimediamultimedia presentation thatpresentation that
seeks to underline the main ideas,seeks to underline the main ideas,
and not a mere repetition.and not a mere repetition.

3232
FIRST PART:FIRST PART:
HEALTHHEALTH
PASTORAL CAREPASTORAL CARE
IN THE CHURCHIN THE CHURCH

3434
The first part of the book responds to the question on whatThe first part of the book responds to the question on what
Health Pastoral Care is. The answer is broken down intoHealth Pastoral Care is. The answer is broken down into
three points: 1. The present state of Health Pastoral Care inthree points: 1. The present state of Health Pastoral Care in
the world. 2. What should be done. 3. How it should bethe world. 2. What should be done. 3. How it should be
done. In the introduction to this part we present in a basicdone. In the introduction to this part we present in a basic
way what Health Pastoral Care is, adding what Christ saysway what Health Pastoral Care is, adding what Christ says
in thein the Gospel of JohnGospel of John, that He is the Shepherd, as well as, that He is the Shepherd, as well as
the command of Christ to his apostles to heal the sick, inthe command of Christ to his apostles to heal the sick, in
thethe Gospels of MarkGospels of Mark andand LukeLuke..
As regards the present state of Health Pastoral Care in theAs regards the present state of Health Pastoral Care in the
world, it is very important to note the considerable numberworld, it is very important to note the considerable number
of Centres for Health Pastoral Care managed by theof Centres for Health Pastoral Care managed by the
Catholic Church. This shows the importance of having clearCatholic Church. This shows the importance of having clear
concepts on what Health Pastoral Care is. In this part, weconcepts on what Health Pastoral Care is. In this part, we
point out the positive and negative points that need to bepoint out the positive and negative points that need to be
considered.considered.

3636
PRELIMINARIESPRELIMINARIES
Biblical FoundationsBiblical Foundations
A general answer as to what Health Pastoral Care is, can obviously comeA general answer as to what Health Pastoral Care is, can obviously come
from the Word of God. It is the Lord who tells us what it is, and all ourfrom the Word of God. It is the Lord who tells us what it is, and all our
reflections can only be a development of what He tells us.reflections can only be a development of what He tells us.
By and large, it is chapter 10 ofBy and large, it is chapter 10 of John’s GospelJohn’s Gospel that offers us the primarythat offers us the primary
approach to understanding the whole of Pastoral Care, when we look at whatapproach to understanding the whole of Pastoral Care, when we look at what
the Good Shepherd, Christ himself does. In synthesis, we can say that histhe Good Shepherd, Christ himself does. In synthesis, we can say that his
action as the Good Shepherd has three fundamental features: He speaks toaction as the Good Shepherd has three fundamental features: He speaks to
his sheep and they listen to his voice; He feeds his sheep, to the point ofhis sheep and they listen to his voice; He feeds his sheep, to the point of
giving his life for them; and He gathers them in the sheepfold, where theygiving his life for them; and He gathers them in the sheepfold, where they
should all converge and where He defends them against the wolves (Jn 10, 1-should all converge and where He defends them against the wolves (Jn 10, 1-
21).21).
To be able to understand the link between the Church and Health, we need toTo be able to understand the link between the Church and Health, we need to
analyse the mission that Christ entrusts to his disciples and apostles, when heanalyse the mission that Christ entrusts to his disciples and apostles, when he
sends them to heal the sick (Lk 10, 9; Mk 16, 18).sends them to heal the sick (Lk 10, 9; Mk 16, 18).
If we now wish to understand Health Pastoral Care, we have to link the aboveIf we now wish to understand Health Pastoral Care, we have to link the above
mentioned two series of texts, the one on the Good Shepherd in John chaptermentioned two series of texts, the one on the Good Shepherd in John chapter
10, and those on the sending of the disciples and apostles to heal the sick.10, and those on the sending of the disciples and apostles to heal the sick.
Reading them together, we see that Health Pastoral Care consists in curingReading them together, we see that Health Pastoral Care consists in curing
the sick, hearing with them and in them the voice of Christ; feeding them tothe sick, hearing with them and in them the voice of Christ; feeding them to
the point of giving life for them together with Christ; uniting them in an intimatethe point of giving life for them together with Christ; uniting them in an intimate
communion with Christ and defending them against the wolves.communion with Christ and defending them against the wolves.

3737
FIRST APROACHFIRST APROACH
Pastoral Care: Jn 10.
Hear the voice, Feed the sheepFeed the sheep, Die forDie for
the sheep, Gather the sheep.the sheep, Gather the sheep.
Health: Mk 16.Health: Mk 16.
“Curate infirmos”
Jn 10 Mk 16=

3939
1. THE PRESENT SITUATION1. THE PRESENT SITUATION
The first question that we ask ourselves now concerns the current situation of Health PastoralThe first question that we ask ourselves now concerns the current situation of Health Pastoral
Care in the Church.Care in the Church.
Looking at the statistics, we realize that today there are 114,738 centres for Health PastoralLooking at the statistics, we realize that today there are 114,738 centres for Health Pastoral
Care worldwide. These include hospices, advice centres, orphanages, asylums, rehabilitationCare worldwide. These include hospices, advice centres, orphanages, asylums, rehabilitation
and re-education centres, mother and child centres, etc. Many of these centres have beenand re-education centres, mother and child centres, etc. Many of these centres have been
established at the parish, diocesan or national levels; some are directed by Bishops, religiousestablished at the parish, diocesan or national levels; some are directed by Bishops, religious
Orders and Congregations, or by charities.Orders and Congregations, or by charities.
It is worth noting that in almost all Bishops’ Conferences there is a Department for HealthIt is worth noting that in almost all Bishops’ Conferences there is a Department for Health
Pastoral Care, headed by a Bishop appointed “ad hoc” by the same Bishops’ Conference.Pastoral Care, headed by a Bishop appointed “ad hoc” by the same Bishops’ Conference.
In addition to this, there are various Associations for Health Pastoral Care: chaplains, menIn addition to this, there are various Associations for Health Pastoral Care: chaplains, men
and women religious, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, volunteers and hospitals. Many are inand women religious, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, volunteers and hospitals. Many are in
contact with the national and international civil health care authorities.contact with the national and international civil health care authorities.
Precisely we have 114, 738 Catholic Centres for Health Pastoral Care, of which 5,246 arePrecisely we have 114, 738 Catholic Centres for Health Pastoral Care, of which 5,246 are
Hospitals, 17,530 Dispensaries, 577 Leprosaria, 15,208 Homes for the Old, the ChronicallyHospitals, 17,530 Dispensaries, 577 Leprosaria, 15,208 Homes for the Old, the Chronically
ill, Invalids, and the Handicapped, 9,616 Orphanages, 10,939 Children’s homes, 13,485ill, Invalids, and the Handicapped, 9,616 Orphanages, 10,939 Children’s homes, 13,485
Matrimonial Advice Centres, 31,312 Special centres for social education and re-educationMatrimonial Advice Centres, 31,312 Special centres for social education and re-education
Centres, 10,825 other Institutions. Distributed by Continents we have: 15,619 Health PastoralCentres, 10,825 other Institutions. Distributed by Continents we have: 15,619 Health Pastoral
Centres in Africa; 40,583 in America; 20,322 in Asia; 35,929 in Europe, and 2,285 in Oceania.Centres in Africa; 40,583 in America; 20,322 in Asia; 35,929 in Europe, and 2,285 in Oceania.
[2][2]
[2][2] Secretaria StatusSecretaria Status, Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae 2005, Libreria Editrice Vaticana,, Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae 2005, Libreria Editrice Vaticana, pp. 355-366.pp. 355-366.

4040
WORLDWORLD
Total: Catholic Health CentresTotal: Catholic Health Centres == 114,738114,738
Hospitals:Hospitals: == 5,2465,246
Dispensaries:Dispensaries: == 17,53017,530
Leprosaria:Leprosaria: == 577577
Homes for the Old, ChronicallyHomes for the Old, Chronically
ill, invalids, Handicapped:ill, invalids, Handicapped: = 15,208= 15,208
Orphanages:Orphanages: == 9,6169,616
Children’s homes:Children’s homes: == 10,93910,939
Matrimonial Advice Centres:Matrimonial Advice Centres: == 13,48513,485
Centres for Social education:Centres for Social education: == 31,31231,312
Others:Others: == 10,82510,825

4141
CATHOLIC HEALTHCATHOLIC HEALTH
CENTRES BY CONTINENTCENTRES BY CONTINENT
15,61915,619 IN AFRICAIN AFRICA
40,58340,583 ININ
AMERICAAMERICA
20,32220,322 IN ASIAIN ASIA
35,92935,929 IN EUROPEIN EUROPE
2,2852,285 ININ(Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae, 2005, pp. 355-366.)

4242
Health Pastoral CareHealth Pastoral Care
ProfessionalsProfessionals
BishopsBishops in charge in the Bishops’in charge in the Bishops’
ConferencesConferences
Bishops,Bishops, Pastors, Assistants.Pastors, Assistants.
Associations:Associations:
ChaplainsChaplains
ReligiousReligious
PhysiciansPhysicians
NursesNurses
PharmacistsPharmacists
VolunteersVolunteers
Hospitals (A.I.S.A.C.)Hospitals (A.I.S.A.C.)
Health AuthoritiesHealth Authorities

4343
HEALTH PASTORAL CARE IN THE WORLDHEALTH PASTORAL CARE IN THE WORLD

4545
Positive PointsPositive Points
All that is mentioned above is positive, however, we would like toAll that is mentioned above is positive, however, we would like to
emphasize in particular:emphasize in particular:
the presence of Bishops in charge of Health Pastoral Care in eachthe presence of Bishops in charge of Health Pastoral Care in each
Conference of Bishops;Conference of Bishops;
the efficiency of International Associations of Catholic Doctors,the efficiency of International Associations of Catholic Doctors,
Pharmacists and Nurses;Pharmacists and Nurses;
the starting of a union of Catholic Hospitals;the starting of a union of Catholic Hospitals;
the union of hospital Chaplains;the union of hospital Chaplains;
the Catholic Volunteers;the Catholic Volunteers;
and the interest in Health Pastoral Care, manifested byand the interest in Health Pastoral Care, manifested by
Conferences of Bishops during their “Ad LiminaConferences of Bishops during their “Ad Limina”” visits.visits.

4646
Positive PointsPositive Points
Bishops in ChargeBishops in Charge of Health Pastoralof Health Pastoral
Care in each Conference of Bishops.Care in each Conference of Bishops.
A certain efficiency ofA certain efficiency of FIAMC,FIAMC,
CICIAMS and theCICIAMS and the Pharmacists’Pharmacists’
associations.associations.
Starting of the union ofStarting of the union of CatholicCatholic
HospitalsHospitals
Union of HospitalUnion of Hospital ChaplainsChaplains
Catholic VolunteersCatholic Volunteers
““Ad LiminaAd Limina”” Visits.Visits.

4747
BISHOPS IN CHARGE OF HEALTH PASTORAL CAREBISHOPS IN CHARGE OF HEALTH PASTORAL CARE

4848
HEALTH PASTORAL CARE PROFESSIONALSHEALTH PASTORAL CARE PROFESSIONALS

4949
Negative PointsNegative Points
The first negative point that one notes is the secularisation. BecauseThe first negative point that one notes is the secularisation. Because
of this, there is no proper understanding of pain and suffering. Deathof this, there is no proper understanding of pain and suffering. Death
is concealed or presented in a distorted manner.is concealed or presented in a distorted manner.
Quite often, one finds a false idea of the virtue of Charity thatQuite often, one finds a false idea of the virtue of Charity that
presents it as mere philanthropy, so as to gain acceptance in thepresents it as mere philanthropy, so as to gain acceptance in the
contemporary world.contemporary world.
Many times, Health Pastoral Care is obscured by shades of pain, andMany times, Health Pastoral Care is obscured by shades of pain, and
it is considered as if it were only motivated by human compassion.it is considered as if it were only motivated by human compassion.
Even in religious circles one does not easily speak about it. Many doEven in religious circles one does not easily speak about it. Many do
not understand charity as gratuitous love and self donation, but as annot understand charity as gratuitous love and self donation, but as an
emotional reaction. People forget that charity is part and parcel ofemotional reaction. People forget that charity is part and parcel of
Christian faith, since they seek to do away with its essential element:Christian faith, since they seek to do away with its essential element:
the incorporation into the suffering of Christ and his resurrection.the incorporation into the suffering of Christ and his resurrection.
If faith and charity lack, even the virtue of hope is also weakened andIf faith and charity lack, even the virtue of hope is also weakened and
instead of celebrating Jesus Christ’s victory over pain and death,instead of celebrating Jesus Christ’s victory over pain and death,
Health Pastoral Care merely focuses on a certain philanthropicHealth Pastoral Care merely focuses on a certain philanthropic
compassion.compassion.
There is a considerable decline of the presence of the religious menThere is a considerable decline of the presence of the religious men
and women in Health Pastoral Care.and women in Health Pastoral Care.

5050
NEGATIVE POINTSNEGATIVE POINTS
Secularization.Secularization.
Distorted presentationDistorted presentation or hiding of pain,or hiding of pain,
suffering, and death.suffering, and death.
False idea ofFalse idea of CharityCharity as mere assistance toas mere assistance to
the sick (as a purely social program).the sick (as a purely social program).
Weakening of theWeakening of the faithfaith in the Resurrectionin the Resurrection
Weakening of the virtue ofWeakening of the virtue of Hope.Hope.
DiminutionDiminution of health pastoral workers.of health pastoral workers.

5151
DISTORTION OF PAIN AND DEATHDISTORTION OF PAIN AND DEATH

5454
In the second point of the firstIn the second point of the first partpart of the book, under theof the book, under the
title “What should be done”, we move on to the explanationtitle “What should be done”, we move on to the explanation
of what Health Pastoral Care is. We present this on twoof what Health Pastoral Care is. We present this on two
levels: the first one is that of the Gospels. Here we asklevels: the first one is that of the Gospels. Here we ask
ourselves, how does Christ behave when he heals the sick?ourselves, how does Christ behave when he heals the sick?
In this way we find out the true concept of Health PastoralIn this way we find out the true concept of Health Pastoral
Care and, therefore, what we have to do in order to realizeCare and, therefore, what we have to do in order to realize
it. We examine 22 miracles of healing performed by ourit. We examine 22 miracles of healing performed by our
Lord and we draw from His conduct, fifteen essentialLord and we draw from His conduct, fifteen essential
elements for the realization of an authentic Health Pastoralelements for the realization of an authentic Health Pastoral
Care.Care.
Furthermore, we ask ourselves as to how the Gospel ofFurthermore, we ask ourselves as to how the Gospel of
Health is interpreted in the Magisterial Teaching of the lastHealth is interpreted in the Magisterial Teaching of the last
two Pontiffs: John Paul II and Benedict XVI. We organizetwo Pontiffs: John Paul II and Benedict XVI. We organize
this interpretation according to the three classical ministriesthis interpretation according to the three classical ministries
in the Church: Word, Sanctification and Communioin the Church: Word, Sanctification and Communion.n.

5656
THE GOSPELTHE GOSPEL
OF HEALTHOF HEALTH

5757
WHAT IS HEALTH PASTORALWHAT IS HEALTH PASTORAL
CARE?CARE?
THE GOSPELSTHE GOSPELS
In order to expound more on the answerIn order to expound more on the answer
to the question on what Health Pastoralto the question on what Health Pastoral
Care is, we shall now reflect on fourCare is, we shall now reflect on four
points:points:
a general view of healings accomplisheda general view of healings accomplished
by Jesus Christ; the enumeration of theby Jesus Christ; the enumeration of the
basic elements derived from thesebasic elements derived from these
healings; the evangelical way behind thesehealings; the evangelical way behind these
elements; and the synthesis of the actionelements; and the synthesis of the action
of the healing Christ in the Parable of theof the healing Christ in the Parable of the
“Good Samaritan”.“Good Samaritan”.

5858
General View of Healings in theGeneral View of Healings in the
GospelsGospels
We find the following miracles inWe find the following miracles in St. Mark’s GospelSt. Mark’s Gospel: the healing of Peter’s mother in: the healing of Peter’s mother in
law, the healing of the paralytic, who is brought down through the roof, thelaw, the healing of the paralytic, who is brought down through the roof, the
resurrection of Jairus’ daughter, the healing of the haemorrhoid woman, the manresurrection of Jairus’ daughter, the healing of the haemorrhoid woman, the man
with a withered hand, the deaf and dumb, the blind man from Bethsaida and of thewith a withered hand, the deaf and dumb, the blind man from Bethsaida and of the
leper.leper. [3][3]
St. MathewSt. Mathew reports the healings of the Centurion’s servant, of two blind men, of thereports the healings of the Centurion’s servant, of two blind men, of the
deaf and dumb and of two blind men from Jericho.deaf and dumb and of two blind men from Jericho. [4][4]
St. LukeSt. Luke, we find the resurrection of the son of the widow of Nain, the healing of the, we find the resurrection of the son of the widow of Nain, the healing of the
crippled woman in the synagogue, of the dropsical man and of 10 leprous men, ascrippled woman in the synagogue, of the dropsical man and of 10 leprous men, as
well as that of Malcus.well as that of Malcus. [5][5]
St. JohnSt. John reports the healing of the Centurion’s son, the paralytic from Bethsaida, ofreports the healing of the Centurion’s son, the paralytic from Bethsaida, of
a blind man and the resurrection of Lazarus.a blind man and the resurrection of Lazarus. [6][6]
On the whole, the Gospels report 22 miracles, but it is evident that for theOn the whole, the Gospels report 22 miracles, but it is evident that for the
synoptics, many times different evangelists refer to the same miracle.synoptics, many times different evangelists refer to the same miracle.
There are other references to healing miracles in general. The evangelists thenThere are other references to healing miracles in general. The evangelists then
report how in certain occasions Christ healed many sick people.report how in certain occasions Christ healed many sick people.
[3][3] Mk 1, 29:32, 40-45; 2, 1-12; 5, 21-43; 7: 31-37; 8, 22-26.Mk 1, 29:32, 40-45; 2, 1-12; 5, 21-43; 7: 31-37; 8, 22-26.
[4][4] Mt 8, 5-13; 9, 27-31; 12 2-23, 20, 29-34.Mt 8, 5-13; 9, 27-31; 12 2-23, 20, 29-34.
[5][5] Lk 7, 11-17; 13, 10-13; 14, 1-6; 17, 11-19; 22, 50-51.Lk 7, 11-17; 13, 10-13; 14, 1-6; 17, 11-19; 22, 50-51.
[6][6] Jn 4, 46-54; 5, 1-9; 9, 1-7; 11, 38-44. Here we do not take into consideration the interventions of Christ on evil spirits.Jn 4, 46-54; 5, 1-9; 9, 1-7; 11, 38-44. Here we do not take into consideration the interventions of Christ on evil spirits.

5959
Overall VisionOverall Vision
of Healings in the Gospelsof Healings in the Gospels
 St. MarkSt. Mark
– Simon’s mother-in-law,
paralytic from the roof,
Jairus’ daughter, the
haemorrhoid woman,
the man with a withered
hand, the deaf & dumb,
the blind man of
Bethsaida, the leper.
 St. MatthewSt. Matthew
– The Centurion’s servant,
the two blind men, the
deaf & dumb, the two
blind men of Jericho
 St. Luke
– Resurrection at Nain, the
crippled woman, the
dropsical man, the ten
lepers and Malcus
 St. John
– The Centurion’s son, the
Bethsaida paralytic, a
blind man, Lazarus
 TOTAL: 22 miraclesTOTAL: 22 miracles

6060
Basic elements for Health Pastoral CareBasic elements for Health Pastoral Care
in the Gospelsin the Gospels
Reflecting on these narratives we can identify theReflecting on these narratives we can identify the
following elements that are manifested by Christ whilefollowing elements that are manifested by Christ while
healing the sick and which must be the basis for Pastoralhealing the sick and which must be the basis for Pastoral
Care in Health;Care in Health;
Touching Christ, seeing Christ, hearing Christ, theTouching Christ, seeing Christ, hearing Christ, the
resurrection, salvation, life, theological virtues of faith,resurrection, salvation, life, theological virtues of faith,
hope and charity, prayer, praise to God, gratitude,hope and charity, prayer, praise to God, gratitude,
friendship, compassion, forgiveness, personalfriendship, compassion, forgiveness, personal
identification with the sick person and discretion.identification with the sick person and discretion.
In summary, there are fifteen elements in Christ’s healingIn summary, there are fifteen elements in Christ’s healing
action, which ought to guide an authentic evangelicalaction, which ought to guide an authentic evangelical
pastoral care in health.pastoral care in health.

6161
EVANGELICAL ELEMENTS OFEVANGELICAL ELEMENTS OF
HEALTH PASTORAL CAREHEALTH PASTORAL CARE
Contact with Christ
Seeing Christ
Hearing Christ’s voice
Resurrection
Salvation
Life
Virtues: Faith, Hope and
Charity
Prayer
Praise
Gratitude
Friendship
Compassion
Forgiveness
Identifying with the sick
person
Discretion
 TOTAL: 15 elements

6262
The Evangelical Way for HealthThe Evangelical Way for Health
Pastoral CarePastoral Care
Now if we, on the basis of the above elements, want to mark outNow if we, on the basis of the above elements, want to mark out
the way that Health Pastoral Care should take, in order to followthe way that Health Pastoral Care should take, in order to follow
in the footsteps of Christ, the Good Shepherd who heals hisin the footsteps of Christ, the Good Shepherd who heals his
sheep, we have to say that:sheep, we have to say that:
Health Pastoral Care consists in fundamentally uniting the world ofHealth Pastoral Care consists in fundamentally uniting the world of
health and its care to Christ, manifesting to all his salvifichealth and its care to Christ, manifesting to all his salvific
presence as a source of life and as the only way of masteringpresence as a source of life and as the only way of mastering
one’s own life.one’s own life.
In this health pastoral care, it is necessary to listen to ChristIn this health pastoral care, it is necessary to listen to Christ
always and see him through faith and a solid hope in thealways and see him through faith and a solid hope in the
resurrection.resurrection.
The pastoral health care worker should be all-friendly, full of tactThe pastoral health care worker should be all-friendly, full of tact
and identify with each patient. He should be compassionate,and identify with each patient. He should be compassionate,
forgiving, does not alienate the patient and strive to see that allforgiving, does not alienate the patient and strive to see that all
care is directed towards and converges in the Resurrection ofcare is directed towards and converges in the Resurrection of
Christ and his own.Christ and his own.
In order to follow this way, he needs to constantly revive theIn order to follow this way, he needs to constantly revive the
three virtues of faith, hope and charity, deepening them throughthree virtues of faith, hope and charity, deepening them through
prayers of petition, commendation and thanksgiving to the Lord.prayers of petition, commendation and thanksgiving to the Lord.

6363
The way for Health PastoralThe way for Health Pastoral
CareCare
The way for Pastoral Care in Health is developed through realizing the
fundamental link between the world of Health and Christ,
which manifests the Lord as the loving source and master of life, and the only
salvific presence.
In this Pastoral Care it is necessary to hear and see God with
the solid hope of resurrection.
One has to prosper in friendship, tact, identifying with every sick person,
having compassion, forgiving and respecting everyone.
And also see to it that all this Pastoral Care converges in the resurrection of
the Lord and our own.
There is need to constantly revive the three theological virtues of faith, hope
and charity. These are deepened through prayers of petition, praise and
thanksgiving.

6666
A practical synthesis of theA practical synthesis of the
Gospel of HealthGospel of Health
The practical synthesis of all that we have said isThe practical synthesis of all that we have said is
contained in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk, 10,contained in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk, 10,
25-37) who is Christ himself (the emblem of our25-37) who is Christ himself (the emblem of our
Pontifical Council).Pontifical Council).
Eight elements can be identified in this parable: (i) theEight elements can be identified in this parable: (i) the
Good Samaritan is fully conscious of the reality, he seesGood Samaritan is fully conscious of the reality, he sees
the wounded man; (ii) He feels compassion, he isthe wounded man; (ii) He feels compassion, he is
touched; (iii) He treats him, he pours oil and wine on histouched; (iii) He treats him, he pours oil and wine on his
wounds; (iv) He shares his property, he puts thewounds; (iv) He shares his property, he puts the
wounded man on his horse; (v) Entrusts him towounded man on his horse; (v) Entrusts him to
competent people, he puts the wounded man in the carecompetent people, he puts the wounded man in the care
of the innkeeper; (vi) He spends his money generously,of the innkeeper; (vi) He spends his money generously,
gives him two coins; (vii) He is prepared to pay the rest,gives him two coins; (vii) He is prepared to pay the rest,
“if anything lacks…”; (viii) He checks the results, when“if anything lacks…”; (viii) He checks the results, when
he returns.he returns.

6767
Practical synthesis of the Gospel ofPractical synthesis of the Gospel of
Health: The Good SamaritanHealth: The Good Samaritan
To be conscious of theTo be conscious of the reality:reality: sees thesees the
woundedwounded
To sympathise with:To sympathise with: he is touchedhe is touched
To Treat:To Treat: pouring oil and winepouring oil and wine
Shares his own propertyShares his own property: puts the wounded: puts the wounded
man on hisman on his horsehorse
Goes toGoes to competent peoplecompetent people : the innkeeper: the innkeeper
Spends hisSpends his money:money: two denarii.two denarii.
Without limitsWithout limits, generosity, if something, generosity, if something lacks...lacks...
Verifies theVerifies the results:results: when he returns...when he returns...
Lk 10,25-37Lk 10,25-37

6868
The Good SamaritanThe Good SamaritanLk 10,25-37:

7070
THE PONTIFICALTHE PONTIFICAL MAGISTERIUMMAGISTERIUM
How is the gospel teaching presented by the Magisterium, especially byHow is the gospel teaching presented by the Magisterium, especially by
popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI?popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI?
The answer can be found especially in 9 Documents:The answer can be found especially in 9 Documents: Dolentium Hominum,Dolentium Hominum,
Pastor Bonus, Salvifici Doloris, Message for the Year 2000Pastor Bonus, Salvifici Doloris, Message for the Year 2000 (Message for the(Message for the
World Day of the Sick in the Jubilee Year),World Day of the Sick in the Jubilee Year), “Novo Millennio ineunte”“Novo Millennio ineunte” and theand the
Address of Pope Benedict XVI to the Pontifical Council for Health PastoralAddress of Pope Benedict XVI to the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral
Care, on the occasion of its International Conferences and its VII PlenaryCare, on the occasion of its International Conferences and its VII Plenary
Assembly, in the Messages for the World Day of the Sick and in hisAssembly, in the Messages for the World Day of the Sick and in his
Encyclical letters “Encyclical letters “Deus Caritas estDeus Caritas est” and “” and “Spe SalviSpe Salvi”.”. [7][7]
In these documents, the Popes establish the duties of the Dicastery and theIn these documents, the Popes establish the duties of the Dicastery and the
objective of the Pontifical Council.objective of the Pontifical Council.
(Constitutively in the Motu Proprio(Constitutively in the Motu Proprio Dolentium HominumDolentium Hominum and the Apostolicand the Apostolic
ConstitutionConstitution Pastor BonusPastor Bonus).).
This is proportionally valid not only for the Health Pastoral Care of theThis is proportionally valid not only for the Health Pastoral Care of the
Pontifical Council but also for the whole ChurchPontifical Council but also for the whole Church..
[7] John Paul II,[7] John Paul II, Salvifici DolorisSalvifici Doloris, 26;, 26; Pastor BonusPastor Bonus, 152-153;, 152-153; Dolentium HominumDolentium Hominum, 2-6;, 2-6; Message of the HolyMessage of the Holy
Father for the World Day of the Sick for the Year 2000Father for the World Day of the Sick for the Year 2000, n. 13, in, n. 13, in Dolentium HominumDolentium Hominum 42 (1999) 9;42 (1999) 9; Novo MillennioNovo Millennio
ineunteineunte, 28-58;, 28-58; Address of Pope Benedict XVI to the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care on the OccasionAddress of Pope Benedict XVI to the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care on the Occasion
of the XX International Conference on the Human Genome,of the XX International Conference on the Human Genome, 19 November 200519 November 2005; Address of Pope Benedict XVI to; Address of Pope Benedict XVI to
the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care on the Occasion of its VII Plenary Assembly,the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care on the Occasion of its VII Plenary Assembly, March 22, 2007;March 22, 2007;
Benedict XVI, Encyclical Letter Spe Salvi,Benedict XVI, Encyclical Letter Spe Salvi, n.39.n.39. Message for the World Day of the SickMessage for the World Day of the Sick 2006, n.92006, n.9; Message for; Message for
the World Day of the Sickthe World Day of the Sick 2007. n.22007. n.2; Message for the World Day of the Sick; Message for the World Day of the Sick 2008, n.42008, n.4..

7171
Pontifical Interpretation Of the

7272Teaching of John Paul II and Benedict XVI onTeaching of John Paul II and Benedict XVI on

7474
DUTY ASSIGNED BY
JOHN PAUL II:
Salvifici Doloris
Dolentium Hominum
Pastor Bonus
Year 2000 Message
Addresses to the International
Conferences and Various
Messages

75757575
JOHN PAUL II: salient points on HealthJOHN PAUL II: salient points on Health
Pastoral Care.Pastoral Care.
We shall only discuss the teaching of the last two Pontiffs.We shall only discuss the teaching of the last two Pontiffs.
Nevertheless we shall also make reference to the wealth of theNevertheless we shall also make reference to the wealth of the
teachings of Pius XII and Paul VI.teachings of Pius XII and Paul VI.
A synthesis of the teaching of John Paul II on Health Pastoral CareA synthesis of the teaching of John Paul II on Health Pastoral Care
tells us that the only answer to the fundamental problems of life, whichtells us that the only answer to the fundamental problems of life, which
are illness and the death, and overcomes the absurd, is when Christare illness and the death, and overcomes the absurd, is when Christ
Our Lord incorporates the suffering, pain and death of everyone intoOur Lord incorporates the suffering, pain and death of everyone into
his passion, death and resurrection. And on our part, when we thankhis passion, death and resurrection. And on our part, when we thank
the Lord for this gift of Redemption and we let ourselves to be overrunthe Lord for this gift of Redemption and we let ourselves to be overrun
by the presence of the suffering and glorious Christ. Already on theby the presence of the suffering and glorious Christ. Already on the
cross Christ appeared with his both glorious and suffering face to thecross Christ appeared with his both glorious and suffering face to the
highest degree. This point is particularly emphasized by the Apostolichighest degree. This point is particularly emphasized by the Apostolic
LetterLetter Salvifici DolorisSalvifici Doloris, the Apostolic Exhortation, the Apostolic Exhortation Novo MillennioNovo Millennio
IneunteIneunte and the Apostolic Letter Motu Proprioand the Apostolic Letter Motu Proprio Dolentium HominumDolentium Hominum
with which he established this Dicastery.with which he established this Dicastery.
7575

7676
Another original point of the servant of God, John Paul II, concerns the
concept of the health. The World Health Organisation (Constitution of the
WHO, 1948) defined health as “a state of complete physical, mental and
social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
In his Message for the World Day of the Sick of the Jubilee Year 2000,
John Paul II, tells us that “health far from being identified with the mere
absence of illness ought to be perceived as a tension toward a fuller
harmony and healthy balance on the physical, psychological, spiritual
and social level. In this perspective, the person himself is called to
mobilize all of his available energies to fulfill his own vocation and for the
good of others” (n.13).

7777
John Paul II: salient points on HealthJohn Paul II: salient points on Health
Pastoral CarePastoral Care..
AnswerAnswer to the fundamental existentialto the fundamental existential
problems that bother humanity afflicted byproblems that bother humanity afflicted by
suffering, abandonment and illness.suffering, abandonment and illness.
Pain, suffering and death,Pain, suffering and death,
Have an answer only inHave an answer only in in thein the passion, deathpassion, death
and resurrection of Christ.and resurrection of Christ.
Health is:Health is:
TheThe tension toward harmonytension toward harmony and notand not
merely the absence of illness; it renders manmerely the absence of illness; it renders man
capable of fulfilling the mission received fromcapable of fulfilling the mission received from
God, according the stage of his own life.God, according the stage of his own life.
7777

7878
HARMONY: LIFE-DEATHHARMONY: LIFE-DEATH
ONLY ANSWERONLY ANSWER

8080
ASSIGNED TASK:ASSIGNED TASK:

8282
BENEDICT XVI: SALIENT POINTSBENEDICT XVI: SALIENT POINTS
Pope Benedict XVI insists on the renewal and deepening of HealthPope Benedict XVI insists on the renewal and deepening of Health
Pastoral Care, taking into consideration the growing mass ofPastoral Care, taking into consideration the growing mass of
knowledge spread by the means of social communication and theknowledge spread by the means of social communication and the
higher standard of education of those they target.higher standard of education of those they target.
One must form the conscience in a clear and profound way,One must form the conscience in a clear and profound way,
especially in genetic applications in order to ensure that every newespecially in genetic applications in order to ensure that every new
scientific discovery will serve the integral good of the person, withscientific discovery will serve the integral good of the person, with
constant respect for his or her inviolable dignity.constant respect for his or her inviolable dignity.
Therefore, it is necessary to have trained and competentTherefore, it is necessary to have trained and competent
consultants, to update the training of pastors and educators,consultants, to update the training of pastors and educators,
enabling them to take on their own responsibilities in conformity withenabling them to take on their own responsibilities in conformity with
their faith, and at the same time establish a respectful and loyaltheir faith, and at the same time establish a respectful and loyal
dialogue with non-believers.dialogue with non-believers.
This Health Pastoral Care must guarantee a prompt response to theThis Health Pastoral Care must guarantee a prompt response to the
expectations of effective assistance to everyone.expectations of effective assistance to everyone.
Therefore, it is necessary to devise a proper methodology to helpTherefore, it is necessary to devise a proper methodology to help
people, families and society so as to ensure an incisive presence ofpeople, families and society so as to ensure an incisive presence of
the Church at the pastoral level. We must combine loyalty andthe Church at the pastoral level. We must combine loyalty and
dialogue, theological investigation and the capacity of mediation.dialogue, theological investigation and the capacity of mediation.

8383
Health Pastoral Care continues the action of the Good Samaritan andHealth Pastoral Care continues the action of the Good Samaritan and
puts the inalienable right of each person to healthcare at the centre ofputs the inalienable right of each person to healthcare at the centre of
its concerns. The driving force that strengthens health pastoral careits concerns. The driving force that strengthens health pastoral care
agents is Love.agents is Love.
The EncyclicalThe Encyclical Deus Caritas estDeus Caritas est and the Apostolic Exhortationand the Apostolic Exhortation
Sacramentum CaritatisSacramentum Caritatis find a special application in the care of sickfind a special application in the care of sick
people: the Eucharist is this force of love.people: the Eucharist is this force of love.
In the hospitals, the Chapel must be the heart that beats, in whichIn the hospitals, the Chapel must be the heart that beats, in which
Jesus offers Himself to the Father for the life of Mankind.Jesus offers Himself to the Father for the life of Mankind.
The Eucharist given to the sick with respect and with a spirit of prayerThe Eucharist given to the sick with respect and with a spirit of prayer
is the vital lymph that comforts them and infuses in their souls theis the vital lymph that comforts them and infuses in their souls the
interior light, helping them to live with faith and hope the conditions ofinterior light, helping them to live with faith and hope the conditions of
sickness and suffering.sickness and suffering. [8][8]
[8[8] Cf. Benedict] Cf. Benedict XVIXVI,, Address to the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care on the Occasion of theAddress to the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care on the Occasion of the
XX International Conference on the Human GenomeXX International Conference on the Human Genome, 19 November 2005; Benedict XVI,, 19 November 2005; Benedict XVI, Address toAddress to
the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care on the Occasion of its VII Plenary Assemblythe Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care on the Occasion of its VII Plenary Assembly, 22 March, 22 March
2007.2007.

84848484
The EncyclicalThe Encyclical Spe SalviSpe Salvi: “Man is worth so much to God that he himself became: “Man is worth so much to God that he himself became
man in order toman in order to suffer withsuffer with man in an utterly real way, in flesh and blood, as isman in an utterly real way, in flesh and blood, as is
revealed to us in the account of Jesus’s Passion. Hence in all human sufferingrevealed to us in the account of Jesus’s Passion. Hence in all human suffering
we are joined by one who experiences and carries that sufferingwe are joined by one who experiences and carries that suffering withwith us; henceus; hence
con-solatiocon-solatio is present in all suffering, the consolation of God's compassionateis present in all suffering, the consolation of God's compassionate
love and so the star of hope rises.”love and so the star of hope rises.” [9][9]
In the Messages on the occasion of the World Day of the Sick he tells us: “IIn the Messages on the occasion of the World Day of the Sick he tells us: “I
would now like to address you, dear brothers and sisters, tried by illness, towould now like to address you, dear brothers and sisters, tried by illness, to
invite you to offer your condition of suffering, together with Christ, to the Father,invite you to offer your condition of suffering, together with Christ, to the Father,
certain that every trial accepted with resignation is meritorious and draws divinecertain that every trial accepted with resignation is meritorious and draws divine
goodness upon the whole of humanity.”goodness upon the whole of humanity.” [10][10]
““Through her individual members and institutions, the Church continues to standThrough her individual members and institutions, the Church continues to stand
alongside the suffering and to attend the dying, striving to preserve their dignityalongside the suffering and to attend the dying, striving to preserve their dignity
at these significant moments of human existence.”at these significant moments of human existence.” [11][11]
““It is specifically from the Eucharist that pastoral care in health must draw theIt is specifically from the Eucharist that pastoral care in health must draw the
necessary spiritual strength to come effectively to man's aid and to help him tonecessary spiritual strength to come effectively to man's aid and to help him to
understand the salvific value of his own suffering.”understand the salvific value of his own suffering.” [12][12]
[9][9] Spe Salvi,Spe Salvi, n.39.n.39.
[10][10] Message for the World Day of the Sick, 2006, 9.Message for the World Day of the Sick, 2006, 9.
8484

8585
DUTY ASSIGNED BYDUTY ASSIGNED BY
BENEDICT XVIBENEDICT XVI
Renewal and deepening of the proposed taskRenewal and deepening of the proposed task inin
that takes into consideration thethat takes into consideration the growing massgrowing mass ofof
knowledge spread by the media,knowledge spread by the media,
and theand the higher standard of educationhigher standard of education of those they target.of those they target.
Formation of the conscienceFormation of the conscience
Profound and clearProfound and clear
inin geneticgenetic applicationsapplications
in order to ensure that every new scientific discovery will serve thein order to ensure that every new scientific discovery will serve the
integral good of the personintegral good of the person,,
with constantwith constant respect for his or her dignityrespect for his or her dignity..
To have consultantsTo have consultants
Trained andTrained and competent.competent.

8686
Updating theUpdating the training:training:
Of pastors and educatorsOf pastors and educators to enable them to take on theirto enable them to take on their
responsibilities in conformity with their faith,responsibilities in conformity with their faith,
And at the same time establishing aAnd at the same time establishing a respectful and loyal dialoguerespectful and loyal dialogue
with non-believers,with non-believers,
This is anThis is an indispensable taskindispensable task for the updating of pastoral care infor the updating of pastoral care in
health.health.
To guarantee a prompt responseTo guarantee a prompt response to the expectations of effectiveto the expectations of effective
assistance to everyone.assistance to everyone.
To study the appropriate methodologyTo study the appropriate methodology
toto helphelp individuals,individuals,
to help familiesto help families
to help the society.to help the society.
in order to ensure an incisivein order to ensure an incisive presence of the Churchpresence of the Church at the pastoralat the pastoral
levellevel
CombiningCombining
loyalty and dialogue.loyalty and dialogue.
theological deepening and thetheological deepening and the capacitycapacity ofof mediation.mediation.

8787
The Good SamaritanThe Good Samaritan
Pastoral Care in Health continues the action of the GoodPastoral Care in Health continues the action of the Good
SamaritanSamaritan
Human RightsHuman Rights
The inalienable right of each person to healthcare mustThe inalienable right of each person to healthcare must
be at the centre of its concerns.be at the centre of its concerns.
The driving force for healthcare workersThe driving force for healthcare workers
They are strengthened by the commandment of love asThey are strengthened by the commandment of love as
the motive-power of Health Pastoral Care.the motive-power of Health Pastoral Care.
The EncyclicalThe Encyclical Deus Caritas estDeus Caritas est and the Apostolicand the Apostolic
ExhortationExhortation Sacramentum CaritarisSacramentum Caritaris
Find a special application in Health Pastoral Care.Find a special application in Health Pastoral Care.

8888
The Apostolic ExhortationThe Apostolic Exhortation Sacramentum Caritatis:Sacramentum Caritatis:
Eucharist.Eucharist.
TheThe strength to take care of the sick and givestrength to take care of the sick and give
meaning to their sufferingmeaning to their suffering
The Chapel.The Chapel.
In the hospitals,In the hospitals, the Chapel must bethe Chapel must be the centre,the centre,
the heartthe heart that beats,that beats, in which Jesus offers Himselfin which Jesus offers Himself
to the Father for the life of mankind.to the Father for the life of mankind.
The vital lymph.The vital lymph.
The Eucharist given to the sick, with respect and aThe Eucharist given to the sick, with respect and a
spirit of prayer isspirit of prayer is the vital lymph that comfortsthe vital lymph that comforts
themthem and infuses in their souls the interior light,and infuses in their souls the interior light,
helping them to live with faith and hope thehelping them to live with faith and hope the
conditions of sickness and suffering.conditions of sickness and suffering.

89898989
Spe SalviSpe Salvi:: Help the one who is suffering, to liveHelp the one who is suffering, to live
and to understand that his present sufferingand to understand that his present suffering isis
shared by and experienced by Christ.shared by and experienced by Christ.
This is theThis is the “con passion”“con passion” of the passion ofof the passion of
ChristChrist..
This is how theThis is how the EucharistEucharist is understood.is understood.
This is theThis is the comfortcomfort for every suffering.for every suffering.
Messages 2006-2008:Messages 2006-2008:
Thus the Church alongside those who sufferThus the Church alongside those who suffer
preserves theirpreserves their dignity.dignity.
Suffering has aSuffering has a value.value.
that man obtains from thethat man obtains from the EucharistEucharist
8989

9090
THE HEARTTHE HEART
OF THEOF THE
HOSPITALHOSPITAL
In the complexityIn the complexity
of contemporaryof contemporary
medicine.medicine.
EUCHARISTEUCHARIST

92929292
SYNTHESISSYNTHESIS
Synthesis of the Pontifical Magisterium on Health Pastoral Care:Synthesis of the Pontifical Magisterium on Health Pastoral Care:
to converge the existential problems of pain, illness, suffering, death and life, into theto converge the existential problems of pain, illness, suffering, death and life, into the
death and the resurrection of Christ, in its Eucharistic realization;death and the resurrection of Christ, in its Eucharistic realization;
sanctifying in this way the sick person and the healthcare worker; centering thissanctifying in this way the sick person and the healthcare worker; centering this
Pastoral Care on the Eucharist;Pastoral Care on the Eucharist;
to form the consciences;to form the consciences;
to unite healthcare professionals, bishops, chaplains, physicians, nurses, pharmacists,to unite healthcare professionals, bishops, chaplains, physicians, nurses, pharmacists,
healthcare administrators, volunteers etc.;healthcare administrators, volunteers etc.;
to be in touch with the particular Churches and with the international, national orto be in touch with the particular Churches and with the international, national or
regional health organizations;regional health organizations;
to be up to date with problems of health on the scientific, technical, legal and politicalto be up to date with problems of health on the scientific, technical, legal and political
levels.levels.
If we wantIf we want to organizeto organize the pontifical proposals according to whatthe pontifical proposals according to what
Health Pastoral Care is evangelically, they will be arranged accordingHealth Pastoral Care is evangelically, they will be arranged according
to the three mentioned characteristics:to the three mentioned characteristics:
• Listen to Christ the Shepherd,Listen to Christ the Shepherd,
• Feeding on HimFeeding on Him
• Uniting ourselves toUniting ourselves to Him.Him.
These are the three characteristics of theThese are the three characteristics of the three ministriesthree ministries of theof the
activity of the Church, that is: Word, Sanctification and Communion.activity of the Church, that is: Word, Sanctification and Communion.
On the basis of these we shall now organizeOn the basis of these we shall now organize the teaching of the Churchthe teaching of the Church
on Health Pastoral Care.on Health Pastoral Care. 9292

9393
PONTIFICAL MAGISTERIUMPONTIFICAL MAGISTERIUM
WORD:WORD: Orientation on health:Orientation on health:
Pain, Illness, Suffering, Death, Life.Pain, Illness, Suffering, Death, Life.
Solution in Christ who suffers our pain.Solution in Christ who suffers our pain.
Updating on the issues of healthUpdating on the issues of health
Scientific, Technical, legal and Political.Scientific, Technical, legal and Political.
SANCTIFICATION:SANCTIFICATION: Unity and Sanctification ofUnity and Sanctification of
the healthcare professionals and the sick;the healthcare professionals and the sick;
Easter and EucharistEaster and Eucharist::
Bishops, chaplains, physicians, nurses,Bishops, chaplains, physicians, nurses,
pharmacists, administrators, volunteers.pharmacists, administrators, volunteers.
All types of Sick people.All types of Sick people.
COMMUNIONCOMMUNION:: Contact with HealthContact with Health
OrganizationsOrganizations::

9696
In this third point of the first part of the book, we discussIn this third point of the first part of the book, we discuss
how to arrive at the praxis itself of Health Pastoral Care.how to arrive at the praxis itself of Health Pastoral Care.
The main point is the elaboration of a plan for HealthThe main point is the elaboration of a plan for Health
Pastoral Care: How is this plan made? We proceed followingPastoral Care: How is this plan made? We proceed following
the same subdivision used in presenting the Pontificalthe same subdivision used in presenting the Pontifical
Magisterium: the three ministries of the Church.Magisterium: the three ministries of the Church.
Consequently, we propose in the first place the generalConsequently, we propose in the first place the general
objective to be achieved, then the specific objectives inobjective to be achieved, then the specific objectives in
each of the ministries of this Pastoral Care. We are aware ofeach of the ministries of this Pastoral Care. We are aware of
the challenges we have to respond to in order to realizethe challenges we have to respond to in order to realize
these objectives, and we try to do so in three stages: in thethese objectives, and we try to do so in three stages: in the
first stage we make some proposals, in the second wefirst stage we make some proposals, in the second we
indicate ways and in the third we try to offer practicalindicate ways and in the third we try to offer practical
solutions for the realization of both the proposals and thesolutions for the realization of both the proposals and the
indicated ways.indicated ways.

97979797
In order to respond to the question
“How should it be done?”, we in the
Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers
(for Health Pastoral Care) have
elaborated the gospel teaching and the
pontifical magisterium on Health Pastoral
Care according to the three classical
ministries in the Church: Word,
Sanctification and Communion, on the
basis of well-defined objectives in each
ministry and the practical suggestions
with regard to the challenges it raises,
the proposals we make, the identified
ways and the possible practical answers.

9999
PONTIFICAL COUNCILPONTIFICAL COUNCIL

100100
MINISTRIES IN THE CHURCHMINISTRIES IN THE CHURCH
(Elaboration of the pontifical teaching)(Elaboration of the pontifical teaching)

101101
The WordThe Word
This concerns the fundamental issues in the teaching of the Church, such asThis concerns the fundamental issues in the teaching of the Church, such as
life, death, pain, disease, anxiety, etc. John Paul II and Benedict XVI state thatlife, death, pain, disease, anxiety, etc. John Paul II and Benedict XVI state that
at the centre of the teaching on Health Pastoral Care we find Jesus Christat the centre of the teaching on Health Pastoral Care we find Jesus Christ
who suffers in those suffering: our suffering is His suffering and, because ofwho suffers in those suffering: our suffering is His suffering and, because of
this, it is transformed into the joy of His Resurrection.this, it is transformed into the joy of His Resurrection.
As a result, health appears as a tension towards harmony, which isAs a result, health appears as a tension towards harmony, which is
understood and lived thanks to the love of the Holy Spirit, since the Holy Spiritunderstood and lived thanks to the love of the Holy Spirit, since the Holy Spirit
is the only one who can unite us with Christ.is the only one who can unite us with Christ.
Therefore, in Health Pastoral Care, both formation and profound study of theTherefore, in Health Pastoral Care, both formation and profound study of the
essence of the human condition are extremely important.essence of the human condition are extremely important.
This religious formation, which is consequently ethical, cannot be neglected inThis religious formation, which is consequently ethical, cannot be neglected in
seminaries, in colleges of the religious, in the formation of all health careseminaries, in colleges of the religious, in the formation of all health care
workers and in general, in all Catholic centres of education and catechesis.workers and in general, in all Catholic centres of education and catechesis.
This formation is necessary especially in front of the present advanced stageThis formation is necessary especially in front of the present advanced stage
of science and technology of health, particularly when it comes to questionsof science and technology of health, particularly when it comes to questions
on the beginning and end of human life, which must absolutely be protected.on the beginning and end of human life, which must absolutely be protected.

102102
In the above-mentioned addresses, Pope Benedict XVI insists on the renewal and deepening ofIn the above-mentioned addresses, Pope Benedict XVI insists on the renewal and deepening of
Health Pastoral Care. He observes that we have to take into account the great mass of currentHealth Pastoral Care. He observes that we have to take into account the great mass of current
knowledge in this scientific and technological field, the public to which it is directed and itsknowledge in this scientific and technological field, the public to which it is directed and its
legitimate expectations.legitimate expectations.
Consequently, the Pope affirms that there is need for a clear and profound formation of theConsequently, the Pope affirms that there is need for a clear and profound formation of the
consciences, so as to enlighten them especially on issues that arise in the field of Biogenetics,consciences, so as to enlighten them especially on issues that arise in the field of Biogenetics,
in order to guarantee that each new scientific discovery serves the integral good of the person,in order to guarantee that each new scientific discovery serves the integral good of the person,
and does not harm his inviolable dignity. Therefore, it is necessary to reckon on good andand does not harm his inviolable dignity. Therefore, it is necessary to reckon on good and
competent consultants, who are well-trained for the formation of pastors and educators. In thiscompetent consultants, who are well-trained for the formation of pastors and educators. In this
way the pastors and educators will be updated so as to assume their responsibility in line withway the pastors and educators will be updated so as to assume their responsibility in line with
our faith, and in a true and respectful dialogue with non believers.our faith, and in a true and respectful dialogue with non believers.
In this way, our own expectations can be guaranteed and satisfied. Health Pastoral Care mustIn this way, our own expectations can be guaranteed and satisfied. Health Pastoral Care must
also find its methodology to properly assist sick people, their families and society as a whole, soalso find its methodology to properly assist sick people, their families and society as a whole, so
as to ensure an incisive presence of the Church in this very important pastoral field.as to ensure an incisive presence of the Church in this very important pastoral field.
By combining loyalty to the doctrine of the Church with the capacity to dialogue with otherBy combining loyalty to the doctrine of the Church with the capacity to dialogue with other
points of view of the contemporary world of health, we can make much progress. It is thereforepoints of view of the contemporary world of health, we can make much progress. It is therefore
necessary to carry out profound theological studies and at the same time develop a propernecessary to carry out profound theological studies and at the same time develop a proper
capacity of mediation. [13]capacity of mediation. [13]
As a result, it is extremely important to be familiar with the new frontiers and be up-to-date inAs a result, it is extremely important to be familiar with the new frontiers and be up-to-date in
the scientific, technical and legal novelties, at the local, national and international levels. It isthe scientific, technical and legal novelties, at the local, national and international levels. It is
clear that such pastoral care can not be accomplished without a competent team that is alsoclear that such pastoral care can not be accomplished without a competent team that is also
open to continuous dialogue.open to continuous dialogue.
[13[13]] Cf. Benedict XVI,Cf. Benedict XVI, Address to the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care on the Occasion of the XX InternationalAddress to the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care on the Occasion of the XX International
Conference on the Human GenomeConference on the Human Genome, 19 November 2005; Benedict XVI,, 19 November 2005; Benedict XVI, Address to the Pontifical Council for HealthAddress to the Pontifical Council for Health
Pastoral Care on the Occasion of its VII Plenary AssemblyPastoral Care on the Occasion of its VII Plenary Assembly, 22 March 2007., 22 March 2007.
The WordThe Word

103103
WORDWORD
Teaching of the Magisterium
Fundamental questions
Christ in the one who suffers and he who suffers in Christ
Health as tension towards harmony
Formation and Study
Essence of the human condition
Programmatic orientations
ethical-religious formation
The new Frontiers
Continuous updating in Health Pastoral Care
Legal and political novelties
Scientific and technical novelties

104104
SanctificationSanctification
Health Pastoral Care shows the solicitude of the Church forHealth Pastoral Care shows the solicitude of the Church for
the sick and for those who suffer, and provides specialthe sick and for those who suffer, and provides special
assistance to the health care workers. It manifests to all, theassistance to the health care workers. It manifests to all, the
sorrowful and glorious Face of Christ and teaches that oursorrowful and glorious Face of Christ and teaches that our
suffering and death complete what is lacking in the Passion ofsuffering and death complete what is lacking in the Passion of
Christ, thanks to the same merits of Christ.Christ, thanks to the same merits of Christ.
Health Pastoral Care should include the way to holiness in itsHealth Pastoral Care should include the way to holiness in its
planning; but more still, its pastoral planning springs from theplanning; but more still, its pastoral planning springs from the
grace and holiness of life, prayer and the sacraments. In it,grace and holiness of life, prayer and the sacraments. In it,
the Eucharist received as Viaticum, Anointing of the Sick,the Eucharist received as Viaticum, Anointing of the Sick,
Reconciliation, and the Word of God are of vital importance.Reconciliation, and the Word of God are of vital importance.
Health Pastoral Care makes us converge into the full harmonyHealth Pastoral Care makes us converge into the full harmony
of the Holy Trinity through the death and resurrection ofof the Holy Trinity through the death and resurrection of
Christ.Christ.

105105
SANCTIFICATIONSANCTIFICATION
Solicitude of the Church for the sick and those
who suffer.
Spiritual assistance to Health Care workers
To begin from the Face of Christ
Sorrowful and Glorious
Redemption, Grace, Illness and Death.
Pastoral Planning
Holiness, Prayer, Eucharist, Penance, Grace
Word of God, Trinitarian Communion.

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