Michael Pakaluk on Visiting the Dying

"It is not quite one of the corporal acts of mercy. These include 'visiting the sick,' even if the illness is temporary or slight, and 'burying the dead.' True, by extension, burying the dead includes such things as visiting a grave on an anniversary, or planting flowers at the gravesite. By extension, visiting the sick would include, say, writing a letter or sending flowers to a sick person. But a special class altogether seems to be this kind of thing: some friend or relative is suffering a terminal illness; you receive word that he is failing rapidly and near to death; and therefore, you clear your schedule and visit him, so that you can 'see him one last time.' This seems a distinct work of mercy, 'visiting the dying.'

"The practice seems a mystery, in the strict sense. It is not fully comprehensible by any utility or benefit. You've seen this person many times before: what difference does it make if you see him briefly one last time? You certainly won't help his illness. And the benefit to you, from doing a good deed, seems minimal. At least, the seriousness of the call we sense in conscience to 'visit the dying' seems all out of proportion to the tangible benefits"

In a recent commentary, Dr. Michael Pakaluk, Professor at the Busch School of Business, Catholic University of America, reflected on some of the reasdon for the ministry/work of mercy of visiting those who are dying.

To access Dr. Pakaluk's complete essay, please visit:

The Pilot: Echoes: Michael Pakaluk: Visiting the dying, a distinct work of mercy (9 AUG 24)