S4 E6 A Birth Unto Hope: Gospel of Life Disciples and Dwellings with Sister Maria of the Trinity

Shownotes

When we lose a loved one, it is often thought of as the end of their life and, therefore, the end of them being present in our lives. The pain and suffering that come along with the grief and sorrow tend to make us feel as though they are gone forever. But what if we changed the way we look at death? What if we take a different perspective by looking at it as a new beginning rather than the end? After all, if we truly believe death does not get the final word, we must maintain hope that in dying, our loved ones will be restored to their glory in Heaven, right?

Our Guest

Sr. Maria of the Trinity was born in Oklahoma and grew up in Minnesota. Blessed with a wonderful Catholic family, she responded to God’s call to consecrated life. She has degrees in Philosophy from the University of Dallas, Nursing from the University of San Francisco, and Hospice and Palliative Care from the University of Paris. Responding to a call within her call 12 years ago, she began the Gospel of Life Dwellings in Oklahoma and Texas to care for those in need at the end of their life. Now, as an emerging Franciscan ecclesial family, the Gospel of Life Disciples are beginning dwellings in Georgia and Guatemala. The members seek a deep prayer life and live the corporal and spiritual works of mercy with the elderly and terminally ill on their journey home to God.

Links

• A Birth Unto Hope: Reflections on the Gospel of Life at Death

• The nun who left France to create special homes for the elderly poor in the U.S.

• Gospel of Life Dwellings (GOLD)

• Intensive Caring: A Practical Handbook for Catholics about Serious Illness and End-of-Life Care by Natalie King, MD

Scripture

• The Gospel of the Good Shepherd, Matthew 18:12

• Deuteronomy 26:55

Journaling Questions

1. What touched you the most from this week's episode?

2. Have you ever spent time with someone through their journey at the end of their life? How did it impact you?

3. Have you ever experienced anticipatory grief?

4. What is your mourning glory?

Prayer for :The deceased residents of G.O.L.D. and Brett*

*Since the recording of this episode, Brett has since passed. Our deepest condolences his beloved friends and family.