Care for the Sick - Brother Joseph Heath, O.S.B.

Perhaps it's mere coincidence, or better yet a spark of Divine inspiration, that this writing comes while I take my turn working the 11 pm-3 am shift in our Abbey Infirmary and Health Center. During the papacy of Pope Paul VI (r. 1963-1978), a Joint International Commission of Catholic Bishops published guidelines for the pastoral care of the sick, addressing both the rituals of the Catholic Church alongside the spirit with which all followers of Christ and people of good faith minister care for the sick:

"The concern that Christ showed for the bodily and spiritual welfare of those who are ill is continued by the Church in her ministry to the sick. This ministry is the common responsibility of all Christians, who should visit the sick, remember them in prayer, and celebrate the sacraments with them....Through words of encouragement and faith, all involved with the care of the sick (family, friends, ministers, physicians, and other medical and non-medical caregivers) can help the sick to unite themselves with the sufferings of Christ for the good of God's people."

Anyone who has heard or read the Scriptures can cite numerous examples of how Jesus, and His disciples and followers of the early Church, showed concern for the bodily and spiritual welfare of the sick among them. At first glance, the process witnessed to in Scriptural accounts seems a tad idyllic when compared to our experiences of caring for the sick currently. Care for the sick demands great reserves of caring, patience, skill, fortitude, time (not to mention greater reliance upon health care insurance) that can exhaust, even frustrate, both the most dedicated of caregivers and quite possibly the sick people themselves.

Here at Subiaco Abbey, as in other communities of believers and people of good faith, we place a vital importance on prayer and caregiving, for both the sick and the people who minister to the sick. Like any other group or individual dedicated to this mission, we are all imperfect and hopefully striving to better ourselves, both in the eyes and by the grace of God. In that spirit, I would like to make a two-fold request. First, that we remember the sick and all caregivers in daily prayer, that both may be touched and moved by God in their sufferings and caregiving respectively and be granted hope and strength. Second, on the feasts of St. Camillus de Lellis (July 14), the patron of nurses and health aides, and St. Pantaleon (July 28), the patron of medical physicians, we offer special days of prayer for any and all in their respective professions.

While vacationing in New Jersey (June 6-21) I had opportunity to witness first glance at how demanding the care for a loved one can be. My sister, Hilary Heath (with whom I stayed over vacation), has been the primary caregiver in my immediate family for my late father and for my mother over the past 11 years during their illnesses. In my mind, Hilary has displayed great dedication and care for our late Dad and currently Mom, and to degrees that are inspiring and heroic! Please say a prayer for Hilary, and for Mom, that both may persevere in God's Will for them. Thank you and God Bless!!!