On Courage and Presence of Mind in Spiritual Issues

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I decided to contribute this study because it demonstrates vividly that the reason a chaplain is called may not always match the real need of the patient and/or of the persons who are close to that patient. Questions that seem to have nothing to do with pastoral care may have a spiritual core, or they may imply suffering from feelings of futility, or spiritual pain, or unresolved religious issues, which can often remain largely ignored in practice despite the concept of “total pain” familiar in palliative care. Frequently, patients and those who are close to them, may be unaware of what is really troubling them; sometimes, and very surprisingly for all concerned, the real concerns become clearly visible only through the individual spiritual care/ pastoral care offered by a pastoral carer. The courage to address spiritual issues explicitly, for example, to offer a ritual in pastoral care, can be crucial in making profound positive changes in all participants (patient, relatives, near-by persons and treatment staff). It may help to foster dialogue between the professional groups involved and in dealing with patients and their relatives. It may also facilitate collaboration and encourage a more precise understanding of the importance of spiritual accompaniment during hospital stay from all professional parties involved.

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