Abstract:

In the second of his articles, the author focuses on pastoral practice within the Roman Catholic community. Such practice involves a right use of the sacrament of anointing, as part of whole person care; a holistic response to a situation of total pain in a palliative setting. Carers need the personal and theological maturity to respond to the untidiness of life and the complexities of offering care without a subtle exercise of power. The aim is to offer love without preconditions, thus making Christ present to the sufferer. Such care is a calling for both clergy and laity, and must be theologically based in an understanding of the Church as the sacrament of Christ.

Author: George Beuken