Life is Precious
Testimonials:
I recommend that you try this link to Pluscarden Abbey. A community of Catholic Benedictine monks living in the only medieval British monastery still being used for its original purpose. Situated in north-east Scotland, six miles south-west of Elgin in Moray, the monastery enjoys the peace and stillness of a secluded glen but is easily reached by road from the town. The atmosphere of quiet reflection and of work dedicated to the glory of God is the same now as it was in the thirteenth century, when a community of monks first came to this part of Moray. Especially of interest is the magazine produced by the monks which is available in a printed or online version. Below are extracts on topics dear to my heart which I have found inspirational, but believe me there many more other beautiful products that can be read.
On the subject of Euthanasia
"A right to die can become a duty to die. A law which prohibits an action is a clear deterrent. A law which permits an action changes attitudes: that which is permitted is often and easily encouraged. Once assisted suicide is approved by the law, a key protection of human life falls away … I know that, for many people, there is profound fear at the prospect of prolonged suffering and loss of dignity. Yet such suffering itself can be eased. Part of this debate, then, must be the need and duty to enhance palliative care and hospice provision, so that there can genuinely be, for all of us, the prospect of living our last days in the company of loved ones and caring medical professionals. This is truly dying with dignity."
Cardinal Vincent Nichols
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"Each life has the same value and dignity for everyone: the respect for the life of another is the same as the respect owed to one's own life. One who chooses with full liberty to take one's own life breaks one's relationship with God and with others and renounces oneself as a moral subject. Assisted suicide aggravates the gravity of this act because it implicates another in one's own despair. Another person is led to turn his will from the mystery of God in the theological virtue of hope and thus to repudiate the authentic value of life and to break the covenant that establishes the human family."
Samaritanus Bonus, Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith 2020
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Jesus suffered and died on the Cross for love. On close consideration, it was in this way that he gave meaning to our suffering, a meaning that many men and women of every age have understood and made their own, experiencing profound tranquillity even in the bitterness of harsh physical and moral trials. And the theme that the Italian Bishops have chosen for their customary Message on the occasion of today's Pro-Life Day is precisely the strength of life in suffering. I wholeheartedly make their words my own, in which is seen the love of Pastors for their people and their courage in proclaiming the truth the courage to say clearly, for example, that euthanasia is a false solution to the drama of suffering, a solution unworthy of man. Indeed, the true response cannot be to put someone to death, however 'kindly', but rather to witness to the love that helps people to face their pain and agony in a human way. We can be certain that no tear, neither of those who are suffering nor of those who are close to them, is lost before God." Pope Benedict XVI, Angelus 1 February 2009.
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