From The Bishop

The fact that there are so many people suffering in our communities is troubling and it should shake us out of our complacency. What can we do to help? asks Gerard Bergie. In the month of April, Niagara Region council voted to install suicide barriers on the Burgoyne Bridge in St. Catharines. This decision was the result of a deeply troubling fact. Since October 2018, there have been six tragic deaths (and one person who survived) on the bridge. Comments after the vote indicated councillors wanted to do what was necessary to help save lives and to assist the suffering and hopeless. April was also the month the government of Canada released the fourth interim report on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). The statistics show that from Jan. 1 to Oct. 31, 2018, there were 2,614 assisted deaths in Canada (not including Quebec, Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut). This is approximately 1.12 per cent of the total number of deaths in Canada. Since 2016, when MAID was legalized, the number of medically assisted deaths has increased each year. Should these statistics not also be troubling? At present, persons who are at least 18 years of age and mentally competent, who are suffering from a serious illness, disease or disability that is deemed irreversible, are eligible for medical assistance in dying. There is also a distinct possibility that the eligibility criteria will be expanded to include minors and those struggling with mental illness. This means that in the near future even more people could be choosing MAID. In the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses speaks to the Israelites prior to entering the Promised Land. He warns them not to be led astray by other gods because this will lead to death. He encourages them to "Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him" (Deuteronomy 30:19-20). From a faith perspective, we too should be encouraging others to embrace life and to focus on a God of love. This is not easy, especially when a person is experiencing extreme pain and anguish. [caption id="attachment_9988" align="alignright" width="450"] Inspirational notes, such as this one on the Burgoyne Bridge, can help encourage those who are suffering through a display hope and compassion. - Cheryl Clock file , The St. Catharines Standard[/caption] The fact that there are so many people suffering in our communities is troubling and it should shake us out of our complacency. What can we do to help? I would like to suggest two things that can be done to assist those who may be experiencing significant physical or emotional pain. The first thing is rather simple, though it can have a profound effect. We need to practise compassion. The meaning of this can be found in the origin of the word. It is comprised of two Latin words â€" cum (with) and passio (to suffer). To have compassion is to "suffer with" someone. It is about accompaniment and reminding the person that he or she is not alone â€" be not afraid. In times of great difficulty, to know that you are loved and valued by another has the power to transform suffering into joy. This is fundamental to the Christian faith. A second way to help someone who is suffering and in serious pain, is to offer palliative care. The Latin root of this word is palliare which means to cloak or conceal. To palliate is to 'cover' or 'conceal' the pain. Palliative care can offer a dying person hope by alleviating their pain, offering a better quality of life. It is important to note that this care can be accessed at any stage of illness in order to manage pain and bring comfort to the person. It can also be offered in the home or in a hospice. During these challenging times let us try to save lives by offering compassion and comfort to those experiencing pain and suffering. Let us help people to "choose life." Gerard Bergie is bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Catharines. bishop@saintcd.com