Comfort in Suffering: Christian Care for the Sick and Dying

By: Michael G. Witczak

Narrated by: Michael G. Witczak

Length: 4 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

Let one of America's foremost liturgical scholars lead you to a deeper understanding of Catholic beliefs about mortality. If you are a pastor, or if someone in your life is sick or dying, this powerful course is for you.

Over the course of our lives, we all mourn the losses of loved ones. We all, at the end, confront death. Despite its certainty, many regard mortality with fear and try to avoid these events.

The Catholic Church instead faces this reality with hope, assuring men and women of their final destiny: to live with God forever. Comfort in Suffering: A Catholic Course on Care for the Sick and Dying will enrich your understanding of human sickness, the process of dying, and the need to grieve in liturgical moments.

The Church addresses these events through rituals: anointing the sick, giving Communion as Viaticum, and burying the dead with dignity. To understand the power of these traditions, you will explore their scriptural roots, looking at Jesus' healing ministry. You will see how the Catholic Church continued this ministry from its earliest days through Vatican II.

Next, you will explore Catholic teachings about the care of the sick and dying, considering our rich variety of prayers. Finally, you will look at practical ways to prepare for these sacramental moments.

Discover the depth and intimacy of Catholic rituals in this powerful course.

©2017 Now You Know Media Inc. (P)2017 Now You Know Media Inc.

Critic reviews

"Father Michael Witczak is one of our foremost liturgical scholars. His vast pastoral, teaching and scholarly experience has well prepared him to speak authoritatively on sickness, dying and death. His thoughts should be invaluable on this critical subject." (Fr. John F. Baldovin, SJ, Boston College School of Theology and Ministry)

"Always in touch with the theological and liturgical treasury of caring for the sick, the dying, death, and the bereaved, Michael Witczak brings an unequaled sensitivity to the personal needs of real life in face of these mysteries. He has devoted his career to exploring...this topic while engaged personally in active ministry with the people whose lives enrich his teaching." (H. Richard Rutherford, CSC, professor emeritus, University of Portland, Oregon; author, Death of a Christian: The Order of Christian Funerals)