The NZ Catholic Medical Association – report on Annual Retreat and SeminarHome of Compassion June 2023
Tēnā koutou,
Thank you to all who were able to share this time together. We are aware that many would like to have attended, but practical considerations prevented this, and we hope for many more such gatherings.
We were thoroughly blessed in our time together in prayer and fellowship on the anniversary year of Saint Teresa of Calcutta's visit to NZ. We were generously hosted by the Sisters of Compassion and thoroughly enjoyed the prayerful and welcoming atmosphere of this special place.
St Teresa was invited here by the Guild of Saints Luke, Cosmos, and Damian in 1973. Sister Josephine Gorman spoke of the blessings of her visit and the similarities in the Charism of St Theresa and Blessed Suzanne Aubert.
Dr John Kleinsman from the Nathaniel Centre for Bioethics spoke of the varying narratives we encounter, which frame the discussion and popular opinion around suffering and compassion. He argues that the dominant narrative is a functionalist narrative, which leads to the view that a life without functional utility is not worth living and that the primary role of healthcare is to eliminate suffering (rather than to accompany those who suffer in genuine compassion). Euthanasia, in this inadequate narrative, becomes a "logical choice" for those who encounter suffering, which we cannot eliminate (see the slides of his talk attached).
John has offered to help anyone with ethical concerns, which they would like to discuss. Contact: Dr John Kleinsman, Nathaniel Centre for Bioethics, administrator@nathaniel.org.nz.
Fr Chris Denham had encouraging words for all of us in our challenging roles. He reminded us that we are not alone in our work. We have the prayerful support of our church family in New Zealand, which shares with us in the trials we face. He reminded us of the central importance of compassion, encouraging us to see the face of Jesus in each person – our patients, staff, colleagues, those who are challenging to care for, and even our opponents or "enemies." He recommended the essay (originally given as a sermon) by CS Lewis, entitled "The Weight of Glory," where he challenges us to consider that our vision of the future glory of ourselves and our human neighbour is often too small.
Lewis argues, "There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal." and continues "Next to the Blessed Sacrament itself, your neighbour is the holiest object presented to your senses."
We were encouraged to reflect that in these challenging times, where politics and public pressure can seem to threaten our conscience and security our "true enemies are not of flesh and blood" and that our call remains to attend to our patients (and all others) as carefully and compassionately as we would, Christ.
Fr Chris has emphasised that as the appointed chaplain to the New Zealand Catholic Medical Association, he is very happy for any Health professional in NZ to contact him anytime for support and advice at St. Patricks Cathedral parish in Auckland. Phone 021 932 366.
The next event planned is a Mass celebrated by Fr Chris Denham for health professionals and allied workers in Auckland Saturday, 8 July, tentatively scheduled for 6 pm – to be confirmed, along with the location.
God Bless
Joseph Hassan