AMERICA/CANADA - “Suffering is not useless. And it does not diminish human dignity which depends neither on the quality of our lives nor on our autonomy…human dignity finds its source in God who created us in his image and likeness”: Leaflet in preparation for World Day for the Sick 11th February

Ottawa (Agenzia Fides) - On the occasion of the World Day of the Sick which will take place on February 11, 2007, the Catholic Organisation for Life and Family COLF co-sponsored by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishop (CCCB) has published a new leaflet entitled “Living, Suffering and Dying…what for?” This reflection responds to the ongoing debate in Canadian society about the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide. The new publication reveals the profound Christian meaning of human life and human suffering and instils a renewed sense of hope, courage and peace.
"Since suffering and illness appear in the normal course of every human life, - the leaflet reads - the question of their significance comes up in thinking about the meaning of life…Christians find answers to these questions in the Gospel. It is there that they understand that we are not the masters but the stewards of life. It is there that Christ nourishes their hope in the Resurrection and eternal life. This hope we must urgently share again with our families, fiends and work colleagues because all, more or less consciously, are searching for a purpose in their life. They seek happiness. No doubt about it: even if the world often seems indifferent to Him, all of humanity needs Christ and his message of love.”
Recalling that when united with those of Christ, suffering can help to save the world the COLF leaflet asks “Can there be any greater dignity?”. It underlines that Christians are called to show compassion, responsibility and solidarity with the suffering, “supporting them at the time of their suffering so they remain courageous until the end of their lives ". The leaflet reminds those who suffer that “to allow oneself to be loved and accompanied by another is to provide the other with the occasion and privilege of serving and loving Christ. One of the most beautiful human responses to suffering is indisputably that of palliative care which seeks never to hasten death. By associating sophisticated treatment of physical pain with a personal accompaniment marked by attentiveness, tenderness and compassion, so many health professionals and volunteers who work in the palliative care units and homes confirm the dignity of the terminally ill".
The Catholic leaflet concludes "No, suffering is not useless. And it does not diminish human dignity... which depends not on the quality of our lives or on our autonomy. It finds its source in God who created us in his image and likeness and who calls each of us to live and die in the manner of Christ ". (RG) (Agenzia Fides 22/1/2007; righe 28, parole 409)