Hail Mary?

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Linnyo

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Why is it that as Catholics we always ask Mary to pray for us at our death? Do we have an unhealthy obsession with death? I’ve noticed when I have taught in different schools the staffroom conversation differs enormously between catholic and non-catholic schools. In non-catholic schools, teachers talk about all sorts of things - health, exercise, nights out, current affairs and even religion. In catholic schools the talk revolves around people’s deaths and buying plots at the greveyard of choice. It is a strange observation but I am not the only teacher who has observed the differences. Do Catholics have an unhealthy obsession with death and dying?
 
I wouldn’t call it “unhealthy obsession with death”.

We are told by Christ that death comes like a thief. We don’t know when it comes. Therefore, one must be ready. Our souls should be in state of grace when we die. If not, we are doomed.

At the hour of our death, there will be temptations. Satan would try to make us denounce our faith. Therefore, we are praying to have a “happy death” - accepting God’s mercy and repenting for our sins.

We pray and ask Blessed Mother Mary to protect us - Her prayer to God is awesome and powerful. We certainly don’t want to wait until the last breath to pray or to repent; we pray and keep on praying.
 
Asking Mary to pray for us at the hour of our death shows appropriate concern for something that nowadays seems to receive little attention: the four last things (Death, Judgment, Heaven, Hell.)
 
Linnyo said:
What about the staffroom chatter? Why revolve around death?
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Where do you believe is the most appropriate place to discuss about death or about our spiritual life?

If people are up to talk about their spiritual life - it is good for them, and sometimes it is good for others to know. Nowadays, we are so busy with our material needs that we almost forget that when we die, none of those material things can be taken with us except our own souls.
 
Linnyo said:
Do Catholics have an unhealthy obsession with death and dying?
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Maybe it just appears that way because the modern world is in an unhealthy state of denial about death and what comes after.
:hmmm:
 
Linnyo said:
Why is it that as Catholics we always ask Mary to pray for us at our death? Do we have an unhealthy obsession with death? I’ve noticed when I have taught in different schools the staffroom conversation differs enormously between catholic and non-catholic schools. In non-catholic schools, teachers talk about all sorts of things - health, exercise, nights out, current affairs and even religion. In catholic schools the talk revolves around people’s deaths and buying plots at the greveyard of choice. It is a strange observation but I am not the only teacher who has observed the differences. Do Catholics have an unhealthy obsession with death and dying?
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No. But the rest of the world seems to be in massive denial about death, salvation, purgatory, heaven, and hell. Most deny hell.

We ask Mary to pray for us NOW, as well as at the hour of our death. It will happen.

“And always remember that someday you too must die.”
 
Perhaps - this seems the most logical explanation. I am not criticising catholics for always talking death but is isn’t usually in a way that reflects their own concerns about it. Ofter it is just idle chatter about people they don’t even directly know. BTW everyone seems to know everyone in rc schools.Like I can go into a new school, say I come from 60 miles away, and someone will inevitably know people from where I used to live and tell me the last person to have died in that area. I find it quite uncanny. And if i am honest, amusing.
Yes, it is good to be concerned with what happens after death but it is also important to realise that God has given us life and we must make the most of our time here on Earth too. Good topics for discussion could be who has had babies, joined the church, favourite songs/hymns, discussion of homily, etc. these are all still concerned with attaining closeness to God but are not pre-occupied with dying.
DesertBrother said:
Maybe it just appears that way because the modern world is in an unhealthy state of denial about death and what comes after.
:hmmm:
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Linnyo,

If you go around on all other forums of this site, you will realize people talk about all things - earthly as well as heavenly. 😉

But for the topic “Hail Mary” - don’t skip calling Her daily. 🙂
 
The hour of our death is when we are at our most spiritually vulnerable and the devil makes his final, all out assualt on us to get us to despair. Since Our Lady specializes in demonic butt-whipping, it makes sense to ask her to obtain divine protection for us at this time.
 
Linnyo said:
Yes, it is good to be concerned with what happens after death but it is also important to realise that God has given us life and we must make the most of our time here on Earth too. Good topics for discussion could be who has had babies, joined the church, favourite songs/hymns, discussion of homily, etc. these are all still concerned with attaining closeness to God but are not pre-occupied with dying.
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Although most Catholics are not in A.A. (but I am), I think most would agree that, despite what some may think about our lack of denial concerning death, yet…to quote the book ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS…“we are convinced that God wants us to be happy, joyous, and free.”👍

Or, “We are not a glum lot, we absolutely insist on enjoying sobriety”. Substitute the word “life” for sobriety", and most Catholics will agree. 🙂
 
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