Pray From Your Heart

Posted by Jeff Hoffman on February 13, 2010 at 9:01am

I recently had a unique experience - and one I wasn't really prepared for. As a vigil volunteer I am always prepared to handle the "spiritual" side of the vigil process, or so I thought. I received a call from our volunteer coordinator and asked if I could do a vigil at a local nursing home run by the Catholic Church. It was then that I learned I was to sit with a nun. I am a Lutheran and it suddenly struck me that I might do something that could offend the beliefs of a Catholic. Unfortunately I didn't have time to contact anyone so I did a fast Google search for Praying the Catholic Rosary - printed it out and took it along.

 

I sat with Sister Bernadette until the early morning hours. During my visit I prayed the roasary for her (as best I could). And while I was told she was unresponsive - I found on several occassions she reached for my hand (I moved several times to make sure it was not an involuntary reflex I was seeing). She also responded to the harp music I was playing on my mp3 player. She passed 3 hours after I left her.

 

I was bothered by the fact that I could have been doing something that could have caused her distress so I made a visit to the local Catholic church and spoke with the priest (whom I have know for many years). I told him of my concerns and with a gentle smile he said as long as I prayed from my heart I did exactly what needed to be done.

 

He then presented me with a number of rosaries and prayer books to use duing my next vigil. He was moved by my concern and put me at ease in knowing I was doing the right thing. I am sure there are many things we could do that can cause distress to family and patients alike. I have found this to be one of the big challenges to the work we do.

 

 

 

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Replies

  • Jeff Hoffman February 24, 2010 at 2:44pm
    Thank you both for the kind words and the support.
  • Deanna Cochran February 24, 2010 at 12:01pm
    The respect you had for her is the true heart of a servant to the dying. Your concern for her moved
    me. It's people like you that I want to hear more from and share my stories with. Looking forward
    to hearing more.
  • Frances Shani Parker February 13, 2010 at 5:03pm
    Jeff, you handled that beautifully, so respectful of another's religion. Just think of all the wars and suffering that would never have happened if everyone did that globally. Keep up the good work. You're a natural at this!

    Frances
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