JPII "whipped himself in remorse for sins" [CNAU]

[Donkey]

Corporal mortification under the guidance of a spiritual director is perfectly legitimate. It may not be done without the guidance of a director. John Paul II had a spiritual director, it was one of our brothers. One should never engaged in this practice without the permission of oen’s director, not even a pope.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

This is true. St. Rose of Lima used corporal mortification under the guidance of her spiritual guide. There were times though when she did penance without guidance. The following excerpt from her bio describes one such time.

No disease was too loathsome for her to treat, although her stomach might turn. Sometimes she would leave the sick for a few minutes, retch painfully, then come back smiling. She set fragrant rosemary in wide-mouthed jars here and there through the room to help clear the air; nevertheless, often she was forced to turn hastily and gasp in the doorway. From day to day she fought her repugnance; but she never lost it till her death.

Once, while tending a Negro slave at the home of her owner, her stomach quailed at the stench of the woman’s ulcerated wounds. Rose fled from the room with a pan of bloody pus which she had drained off, and in a nearby alcove gave vent to her feelings. In her emotion she spoke aloud to herself, unaware that she was heard. With a scornful word of self-reproach for shrinking from her suffering sister in Christ, she drank the contents of the pan as a penance. That time her stomach did not turn.

From St. Rose of Lima by Sister Mary Alphonsus, O.SS.R. pg 237-38

 

[nlm]

I found this brief comment made by Pope Benedict about Pope John Paul II. It’s very interesting that he encourages the Polish people to follow the life and teachings of Pope John Paul II on their road to holiness. It’s almost a promotion of “devotion” to John Paul.

Benedict XVI
“May the example of his life and teachings strengthen us in faith and inspiration of the road to sainthood. May God bless you.”

A road which may be pretty short since there’s talk the late pontiff could be beatified within the next several weeks.

romereports.com/palio/modules.php?t=Faith-&–Reason–The-Pope-takes-up-the-debate-during-general-audience&name=News&file=article&newlang=english&sid=1161

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

Brother JR, Thank you so much for all your insight into this topic. I had some knowledge of various aspects of Discipline from my monastic life but I must say, as a result of your posts, I have learned much.
During my work in health care, I nursed a few patients who, because of their spiritual journey, would choose to not accept pain medication as a form of penance and spiritual growth.This happened mostly in palliative care.
Have you encountered this practice? Would you refer to this as a form of mortification similar to the other forms we have discussed in this thread or should it be seen as something different? God Bless. NLM

 

[JReducation]

Brother JR, Thank you so much for all your insight into this topic. I had some knowledge of various aspects of Discipline from my monastic life but I must say, as a result of your posts, I have learned much.
During my work in health care, I nursed a few patients who, because of their spiritual journey, would choose to not accept pain medication as a form of penance and spiritual growth.This happened mostly in palliative care.
Have you encountered this practice? Would you refer to this as a form of mortification similar to the other forms we have discussed in this thread or should it be seen as something different? God Bless. NLM

You pose a very good question. The belief of the Church is very clear on this topic. Paliative care is a moral right and duty. Therefore, no one should deny it to another, not should anyone deny it to himself. There are sensitive souls who don’t know this and believe that they are doing the right thing. We do not pass judgment on them.

Normally, the great saints all made use of medical care available to them, even John Paul II, Mother Teresa, Francis of Assisi, Padre Pio, Teresa of Avila, Elizabeth Ann Seton, Teresa of the Andes and other saints and blesseds who suffered from illness. Acceptance of paliative care can be a great act of humility, because we place our lives in the hands of God and our brothers and sisters who care for us.

One may turn down any form of care that is extraordinary or which will not improve the patient’s condition and forms of care that will do more harm than good.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

 

[nlm]

You pose a very good question. The belief of the Church is very clear on this topic. Paliative care is a moral right and duty. Therefore, no one should deny it to another, not should anyone deny it to himself. There are sensitive souls who don’t know this and believe that they are doing the right thing. We do not pass judgment on them.

Normally, the great saints all made use of medical care available to them, even John Paul II, Mother Teresa, Francis of Assisi, Padre Pio, Teresa of Avila, Elizabeth Ann Seton, Teresa of the Andes and other saints and blesseds who suffered from illness. Acceptance of paliative care can be a great act of humility, because we place our lives in the hands of God and our brothers and sisters who care for us.

One may turn down any form of care that is extraordinary or which will not improve the patient’s condition and forms of care that will do more harm than good.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

My understanding is that they wanted to offer their end of life suffering for the remission of their sins. One individual explained that during times of severe pain he felt a very real connection with our Lord during His passion and death. I remember finding this decision very difficult to understand.However I must say they seemed at peace with their decision. Certainly not for everyone. I believe ,as you said ,God wants us to avail ourselves of what is available to assist and comfort us during these difficult times. God Bless. NLM

 

[Shin]

There’s no moral requirement to take pain reducing medication.

 

[Zundrah]

There’s no moral requirement to take pain reducing medication.

That’ll be cheating, noob!