6th Year Retreat – Thanks!

By all accounts, the 6th Years had a very worthwhile and valuable day at the Emmaus Retreat Centre. Every single one of them is extremely grateful to Fr Ulic for his very kind gesture in funding the retreat. The day had elements of fun, discussion, reflection and meditation. The students felt rested, refreshed and more positive about the challenges ahead as a result of their participation in the day. Here are a few photos that give a sense of the atmosphere and energy encompassing the day.

Break-time

Break-time

An autumnal stroll

An autumnal stroll

Friends

Friends

Fun

Fun

Time for a cuppa

Time for a cuppa

Enjoying the day

Enjoying the day

Big smiles

Big smiles

Group discussion

Group discussion

Group reflection

Group reflection

Relaxing

Relaxing

A delicious dinner

A delicious dinner

Best wishes to all the 6th Year students as they surge forth upon the tide of exams, revision, practice and study. May their course be smooth, but if not, may they find the strength to surmount the rough winds and rocky waves that may try to put them off route. If they aim high, no obstacles will lead them too far astray. God bless them all.

Palliative Care, not Euthanasia

Palliative care is hard work, both physically and psychologically. When caring for a terminally ill patient, what should be included?

  • Strong drugs and medicine to control the pain
  • A warm, clean environment
  • Help given to the patient in adjusting to increased physical disability
  • Care that treats the patient as a real person, not just a medical problem

The World Health Organisation says that ‘palliative care affirms life and regards dying as a normal process; it neither hastens nor postpones death; it provides relief from pain and suffering; it integrates the the psychological aspects of the patient.’

Palliative care is physical, emotional and spiritual care for a dying person when a cure is not possible. It should be enough to prevent any person from contemplating euthanasia.St Francis’ Hospice in Raheny and Blanchardstown provides an excellent service of palliative care. It is a voluntary organisation under the care of the Daughters of Charity and St Vincent de Paul.You can find out more about their caring work here.