The Catholic Women’s League of Canada, with over 83,000 members across Canada, encourages all people of faith to join nationwide in 12 Hours of Prayer for Palliative Care on May 4, 2016. This day is designed to take place during the National Hospice Palliative Care Week (organized by the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association) as a profound witness to the sanctity of human life.
There is a pressing need for all Canadians to have greater accessibility to palliative care. It has become an urgent priority in the face of the impending legislation for euthanasia/assisted suicide in Canada. This end-of-life care is true compassion. It allows individuals who are facing death not to be burdened by pain and suffering but to receive the necessary support that respects their human dignity both physically and spiritually rather than choosing physician-assisted death as a desperate last resort.
Pope Francis emphasizes the need for prayer, mercy, reconciliation and compassion. “Let us not underestimate the power of so many voices united in prayer!” With one heart and voice, all people of faith are urged to focus on that power of prayer.
The prayer can take place within a place of worship, a home or elsewhere. Participation may include a large congregation, a few friends or solitary prayer at home. All people of faith are invited to join in this initiative and share their plans and programs with others across Canada by using the hashtag #12hoursofprayer.
Further information to help with local planning is available online at www.cwl.ca. Included are information sheets on palliative care with links to further resources, prayers and reflections, contact information for hospice palliative care associations and care facilities and a printable petition urging the recognition and funding for hospice palliative care across Canada.
National President Barbara Dowding urges, “Let us raise awareness, understanding and appreciation that true compassion is found through palliative care and that access to it must be a right for all Canadians.
For more information, please visit: http://www.cwl.ca/
About the Catholic Women’s League of Canada
The Catholic Women’s League of Canada, founded in 1920, is one of the largest organizations of women in Canada with more than 85,000 members represented in every province and territory and the military. The League is organized and pledged to serve all citizens and has often received the commendation and a keen appreciation of federal, provincial and municipal authorities for the voluntary services ably performed by its nationwide membership.
