IRRESPONSIBLE AND FATAL NEGLECT

It is indeed irresponsible, and extremely so, the negligence of many families toward their sick members, whom they fail to properly prepare, in cases of serious illness, to receive the Holy Sacraments.

Providing the last rites of religion to the sick is not only an act of charity meritorious in the eyes of God, but also a sacred duty that cannot be violated without incurring a terrible responsibility. If one is guilty of homicide when one lets another die of hunger, what name should be given to the horrific crime of letting a soul perish by failing to provide the aid of our holy Religion?

And yet, how often experience shows us that this crime is committed even by Catholic families! Whether due to fanciful fears or inexcusable weakness, the priest is called as late as possible, and sometimes when the sick person is already unconscious.  We are not speaking here of families who deliberately wait until the sick person is in agony and who treat religion as a vain formality of pure convenience. Let us turn a blind eye to such indignity! We are speaking of those families in whom enough faith remains to consider the sacraments as holy things, to desire that the sick receive them with a Christian disposition, and yet, they are not told about confession until all hope of recovery has been lost. And what often happens in this case? They hesitate, they delay; the terrible symptoms appear; then they rush, they run in search of a priest, but they arrive too late—it is all over! God forbid that you should be treated this way in your last hour!

But what is it that prevents the fulfillment of this sacred mission? — “I don’t dare speak to him about a priest,” you say, “I’m afraid of frightening him.”  —And even if he were frightened, would you rather expose his soul to eternal damnation or a long period of expiation in purgatory? To frighten him! For if he were sleeping on the edge of an abyss or in a house engulfed in flames, would you hesitate to wake him so as not to frighten him?

You say that you will call the priest when the sick person asks for it. But are you unaware that the sick rarely realize the seriousness of their condition? It is your duty to prepare the sick person to receive the sacraments in a timely manner. Go to your parish or to a priest you know in advance, who will facilitate the fulfillment of this grave duty.

Banish from your mind the false worry that the sick person will be frightened if you speak to him about the sacraments.

Experience teaches that the sick person knows that the priest comes to their side to perform the sweetest and most beneficial of all ministries, to purify and console their soul, and ultimately, to bring them, in the midst of the most cruel anguish, the peace and gentleness of Jesus Christ. Note: In some countries, there are leagues whose members commit to notifying each other in case of serious illness, so that spiritual assistance can be received in time. Why could such leagues not be established here among us as well?

The first thing to do when you realize someone is in danger is to call the parish priest or confessor so they can administer the sacraments of Penance, Eucharist, and Anointing of the Sick, and apply the plenary indulgence at the point of death (very few people know about this great grace. Ask the priest for it. 

Note: In some countries, there are groups whose members commit to notifying each other in case of serious illness so they can receive timely spiritual assistance. Why couldn't similar groups be established here among us? Or perhaps members could make a mutual commitment to this with two or three family members. Another aspect to consider is always being in a state of sanctifying grace (having gone to confession) before any operation, even if the risk is low.  Let us not forget that the commandments of Holy Mother Church require Confession at least once a year (minimum minimum) or if there is danger of death. Finally, it is important to ensure that the sick person is always wearing their scapular, and if it has not been conferred, to ask the priest attending them to do so. Every Catholic should wear it at all times.

_________________________________________

O Mother of Mercy, graciously hear the prayers of Christian families, so that no one may die in their home without having received Holy Viaticum!