Best care at the end of life integrates the gifts of science and medicine, sound ethics, and the art of love to support a peaceful and dignified death. Christian values aren’t a burden to the person facing the end of life, but rather inspire the care and creative love that reverently treats the whole person, effectively alleviates pain and suffering, brings peace and hope to dying individuals, and supports families and caregivers in the courageous task of loving to the end.

Watch Sr. Mariae Agnus Dei, SV talk about treating the whole person: an integrated approach to the end of life

Through the mystery of our redemption, the Christian view of death and dying invites us to consider the truth, hope, and beauty to be found at the end of life. Regardless of our circumstance, as we cling to Christ, every passion and death we endure will pass into resurrection. Whatever our final passion may call us to, Love Himself has gone before us and will be there to live it with us. We don’t have to imagine our future without the abiding presence of a God who is love.

Watch Sr. Jordan Rose, SV talk about the Christian view of death and dying

Every human life is sacred to God. Every moment of life has meaning and purpose. God alone is the Author of life. As we look to God the Father with trust, dependence, and hope we find the peace and security we thirst for in the uncertainties and vulnerabilities that confront us at the end of life. He who has called us is faithful and will be with us to the end.

Watch Sr. Jordan Rose, SV talk about the sacred gift of the person at the end of life

As we journey through this life, we don’t have to go far before we experience suffering. Whether spiritual, physical, emotional, psychological, or otherwise, we draw back from suffering and cry out for resolution and remedy. As we bring the question of suffering to God the Father, we discover the answer that satisfies: Jesus Christ. Jesus went to depths of all the suffering life can find and redeemed it on the Cross. He linked love to suffering. With Christ, we know our suffering doesn’t have to be a meaningless empty path, but rather, one full of the potential to be drawn into new depths of spiritual maturity, and into the life of Christ Himself.

Watch Sr. Marie Veritas, SV talk about the Christian meaning of human suffering

Whether we are facing the end of life or walking with another in that journey, the questions and trials that can arise often bring about a deep experience of vulnerability. Vulnerability isn’t something to fear. It is part of our human condition. When lived in reverence and love, vulnerability becomes a gift that can build bridges to meaningful connection, open persons to new depths of communion, and fill one’s last days with tremendous value and blessing.  At the end of life, love is what the dying person needs most. Love, in and through the gift of compassionate presence,  is something every family, spouse, brother, sister, friend or neighbor can give another at the end of life.

Watch Sr. Mariae Agnus Dei, SV talk about vulnerability and compassionate presence

The gift of freedom has been entrusted to each of us by God, to reveal the greatest truth of our lives: Love! Love is our origin, identity and destiny. Love is the meaning of our lives. Love is the only proper response to the human person. The End of Life is the time to testify to the great love we are all called to give and receive, reveal the profound dignity of human life, and answer the great call to love each other to the end.

Watch Sr. Marie Veritas, SV talk about our freedom to love