The Dignity of Death

 We are all made in the image of God.  As such, we all deserve to be treated with dignity, especially in death.  In fact, one of the corporal works of mercy is to bury the dead.  

With that in mind, what do you think of all the news vultures circling the pope's hospital bed?  I think it's disgusting.  But it's all for naught, because when the pope does die, as we all will, it won't be announced from a hospital bed.  There's a procedure.

Remember, the pope is the Bishop of Rome, so the people in his parish and diocese will learn that he has died, first.  Then the diplomatic corps, who will then distribute the news, appropriately.  This will be a formal announcement from the papal chapel. 

Ever since I saw the movie Conclave, I've been interested in the pope's death and the following procedures.  I love watching rituals.  

Questions for Cardinal Sean Patrick

Massachusetts has a vote in November, known as Death with Dignity.  It's an attempt to push an agenda, that is really not at all about health care, or patients' needs; it's about a physician assisting someone to kill themself.  Physicians need this vote to pass a law so they won't be sued.  It's about insurance, not health care. To explain the stance of the Catholic Church, our Cardinal Archbishop, Sean Patrick O'Malley is hosting a "town-hall" like meeting.  This will be re-broadcast many times.   Besides prayers, Catholic TV is requesting people to send in questions.  Use Facebook, Twitter, the station and email     townhall@catholictv.com     Rebroadcast times on CatholicTV  Oct. 4 at 2 p.m.; Oct. 4 at 9 p.m.;  Oct. 5 at 12:30 a.m.;  Oct. 7 at 2 a.m.;  Oct. 8 at 9 p.m.;  Oct. 13 at 4:30 p.m.;  Oct. 15 at 8 p.m.; Oct. 20 at 4:30 p.m.; Oct. 22 at 8 p.m.;  Oct. 29 at 10:30 p.m.;  Oct. 31 at 7:30 a.m.;  Nov. 2 at 2 p.m.;  Nov. 3 at 3:30 a.m.;  Nov. 5 at 8 p.m.;  Nov. 6 at 6 a.m.  and noon. Visit iCatholic at: http://icatholic.catholictv.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network