The Catholic Ministry of the Last Rites for the Dying

• Main Authors: Fang, Chun-Chiang, 方純強
• Other Authors: Bosco Lu, S.J.
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2011
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/01324068798713664076

碩士 === 輔仁大學 === 宗教學系 === 99 === As said by Heidegger that we human are beings toward death. All of us are the dying. Death is the blooming of the flower of life, and life can only be renewed through death. The greatest secret of life is not life itself, but death. According to the Catholic Sacraments, this paper points out that at the last stage of spiritual growth, we are no longer restricted by religious or cultural differences but reach the core essence of human existence, and that is the continuation of spiritual life. Each of us, regardless of our cultural or religious background, will all come to the last stage of spiritual growth when facing the end of life. Sacraments of initiation delineates the foundation of Christian life; it is also an attitude about life—Jesus lives us in this life and will die with us at the end of our life. The time we make the perfect final decision with the greatest liberty is the moment that we complete the entire Christian baptism vow under the love of Jesus Christ. Part of the holy service of the Church is to assist Christians to cope with the dying process, from realizing one’s illness until sensing one’s dying, and to well handle their relationship with people at their present life. More importantly, the Church will help people to recognize their links to the deceased—be reunited and share the feast with Jesus Christ and all the Saints in heaven.