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Reflections on Ethics, Faith, & Health Care: Now featuring discussion posts for THE LIFE OF BLESSED MARGARET OF CASTELLO, by Father William Bonniwell, OP

Discussion Post for THE LIFE OF BLESSED MARGARET OF CASTELLO, Chapters 18 and 19

December 23, 2021 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 7 Comments

Audio recording of this post: Chapter 18, “The Miraculous Cure,” is about the standoff about Margaret’s burial and the miraculous…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LIFE OF BLESSED MARGARET OF CASTELLO, Chapters 16 and 17

December 16, 2021 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 3 Comments

Audio recording of this post: In last week’s post, I reflected on the double meaning of the title of Chapter…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LIFE OF BLESSED MARGARET OF CASTELLO, Chapters 14 and 15

December 8, 2021 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 6 Comments

Audio recording of this post: Chapter 14 is titled “The Troubled House of Peace.” The trouble in the “House of…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LIFE OF BLESSED MARGARET OF CASTELLO, Chapter 13

November 27, 2021 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 4 Comments

Audio recording of this post: Chapter 13 paints a beautiful picture of Margaret’s religious life as a Dominican Tertiary, in…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LIFE OF BLESSED MARGARET OF CASTELLO, Chapters 11 and 12

November 17, 2021 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 5 Comments

Audio recording of this post: These two Chapters tell a tale of two religious communities: the Monastery of St. Margaret…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LIFE OF BLESSED MARGARET OF CASTELLO, Chapters 9 and 10

November 9, 2021 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 8 Comments

Audio recording of this post: In Chapter 9, Margaret is discovered by the beggars Elena and Roberto who help Margaret…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LIFE OF BLESSED MARGARET OF CASTELLO, Chapters 7 and 8

November 2, 2021 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 14 Comments

Audio recording of this post: In Chapter 7, Father Bonniwell describes the decision of Parisio and Emilia to take Margaret…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LIFE OF BLESSED MARGARET OF CASTELLO, Chapters 5 and 6

October 26, 2021 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 10 Comments

Audio recording of this post: Father Bonniwell begins Chapter 5 with a paragraph describing the first signs of Spring during…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LIFE OF BLESSED MARGARET OF CASTELLO, Chapters 3 and 4

October 19, 2021 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 20 Comments

Audio recording of this post: In Chapter 3, Father Bonniwell relates some of the reactions at the fort of Metola…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LIFE OF BLESSED MARGARET OF CASTELLO, Chapters 1 and 2

October 10, 2021 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 21 Comments

Audio recording of this post: Parisio and (to a lesser extent) Emilia present us with a kind of study of…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts, Uncategorized

Discussion Post for THE LIFE OF BLESSED MARGARET OF CASTELLO, Introduction

October 4, 2021 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 19 Comments

Audio recording of this post: Welcome to our group reading of The Life of Blessed Margaret of Castello, by Father…

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Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 9 Art, Pages 236-237

May 24, 2021 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 5 Comments

Unlike many of Michael W. Dugger’s ink renderings that we have considered, this one seems unambiguous. Perhaps you see some…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 9, Pages 197-216

May 17, 2021 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 4 Comments

In the end, these virtues–patience, hope, humility, faith, and “letting go”–lead to flourishing through life as through death. In reflecting…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 9, Pages 179-197

May 12, 2021 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 5 Comments

In this final chapter I’d like to offer a concise and practical guide–a handbook, if you will–on how to live…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 8 Art, Pages 234-235

May 10, 2021 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 4 Comments

This is an interesting image. Men are lowering a casket into . . . what? The act of lowering the…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 8, Pages 165-177

April 26, 2021 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 5 Comments

“The purpose of a funeral is not to uplift the audience,” [Thomas Long] says, “but to transform the cast.” .…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 8, Pages 153-165

April 19, 2021 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 4 Comments

Death creates chaos on every level . . . Out of this vandalized shalom emerges ritual–the orderly, tradition-based, formal performances…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 7 Art, Pages 232-233

April 6, 2021 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 4 Comments

This image links the notion of ‘shalom’ (written here in Hebrew) to what is described in the chapter as “vandalized…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 7, Pages 145-151

March 22, 2021 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 5 Comments

The suggestion that the dead would eventually come alive again in restored bodies was not some peripheral, secondary belief. According…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 7, Pages 135-145

March 16, 2021 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 7 Comments

“Almost everyone becomes religious when they are dying.” Perhaps this is an overstatement–at least in a New England university town.…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 6 Art, Pages 230-231

March 1, 2021 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 6 Comments

The figure is an erect, humanized form of the hybrid creature from the Isenheim Altarpiece . . . if compared…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 6, Pages 123-133

February 22, 2021 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 11 Comments

And there he was. That anguished man on the cross, larger than life, bearing all the marks of ergotism. His…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 6, Pages 113-122

February 15, 2021 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 13 Comments

The Isenheim Altarpiece by Matthias Grünewald: The Antonites ‘prescribed’ viewing the altarpiece to those in their care who were suffering…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 5 Art, Pages 228-229

February 8, 2021 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 8 Comments

Dr. Dugdale’s comments on this image are interesting. She calls it disturbing and indicates that previous drafts were even more…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 5, Pages 100-111

February 2, 2021 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 9 Comments

In physiology . . we say that fear triggers a “flight or fight” response. When we feel threatened, we either…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 5, Pages 91-99

January 25, 2021 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 5 Comments

In my comments this week, I am going to skip over the initial pages of this chapter in which Dr.…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 4 Art, Pages 226-227

January 18, 2021 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 8 Comments

In different ways, this image seems both realistic and unrealistic. The man, the wheelchair, and the sign are depicted is…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 4, Pages 81-90

December 14, 2020 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 7 Comments

Not only did hospitals entice with medicine and procedure; they also offered a welcome respite to families and community members…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 4, Pages 71-81

December 7, 2020 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 8 Comments

Does it matter where we die? Page 71 As Dr. Dugdale suggests, there are several ways this question could be…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 3 Art, Pages 224-225

November 30, 2020 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 10 Comments

Dr. Dugdale tells us that this image depicts Mrs. Ito and evokes the Japanese danchi where she lived and where…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 3, Pages 59-69

November 23, 2020 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 4 Comments

Our communities of support do not have to be perfect, but they should feel hospitable. We should feel safe among…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 3, Pages 47-58

November 16, 2020 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 10 Comments

Was Mr. Bell lonely? . . . It is entirely possible, however, that Kleinfield’s title [“The Lonely Death of George…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 2 Art, pages 222-223

November 9, 2020 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 8 Comments

Here is Michael W. Dugger’s ink rendering for chapter 2: Here is the vanitas painting of Philippe de Champaigne that…

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Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 2, Pages 34-45

November 2, 2020 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 14 Comments

[According to the original Ars Moriendi,] we have to acknowledge the possibility of death while we are still healthy [and]…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 2, Pages 25-34

October 26, 2020 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 10 Comments

She declined to discuss it. In her mind, the question she faced was whether she should choose to live a…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 1 Art, pages 220-221

October 18, 2020 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 13 Comments

One of the earliest versions of the Ars moriendi was illustrated. The art of human finitude provokes anticipation and preparation…

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Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 1, pages 17-23

October 12, 2020 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 14 Comments

In this post, I will quote passages in Dr. Dugdale’s text that I find especially discussion worthy, pose questions about…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 1, Pages 1-17

October 5, 2020 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. 27 Comments

In this post, I will quote passages in Dr. Dugdale’s text that I find especially discussion worthy, pose questions about…

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Posted in: Group Reading Discussion Posts

An Ancient Homily on Holy Saturday

April 11, 2020 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. Leave a comment

Today is the eighteenth Holy Saturday of my life as a Dominican friar. This morning, for the eighteenth time, I…

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Posted in: Holy Week

Good Friday

April 10, 2020 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. Leave a comment

In our Reflections during this Holy Week, we have tried to understand, enter into, receive from, and share the Paschal…

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Posted in: Holy Week

Holy Thursday: The Actions that Explain the Passion

April 9, 2020 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. Leave a comment

The Eucharistic institution narrative from Saint Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians and the washing of feet narrative from Saint…

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Posted in: Holy Week

Jesus Celebrates the Passover with His Disciples

April 8, 2020 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. Leave a comment

“In your house,” Jesus says, “I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples” (Matthew 26:18). In these words from today’s…

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Posted in: Holy Week

Spy Tuesday

April 7, 2020 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. Leave a comment

The Tuesday of Holy Week has traditionally been referred to as “Spy Tuesday.” That designation comes from today’s Gospel reading…

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Posted in: Holy Week

Holy Week: Paschal Mystery and Sacramental Ministry

April 6, 2020 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. Leave a comment

Today we are reminded of the deep connections between the Paschal Mystery of our Lord that we celebrate especially during…

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Posted in: Holy Week

Palm Sunday: Passion and Triumph in Our Time

April 5, 2020 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. Leave a comment

Holy Week begins with a two-fold feast. It has two names: Palm Sunday of the Lord‘s Passion. And it’s Eucharistic…

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Posted in: Holy Week

Understanding Catholic Teaching About Artificial Nutrition and Hydration in the Light of Previous Church Teachings and the Catholic Moral Tradition

August 29, 2019 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. Leave a comment

(This is a research paper. It is longer and more detailed than the “Reflections” on this page. Please enjoy.) Introduction…

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Posted in: Ethics, Faith, Healthcare

CARRYING the CROSS: SUFFERING, SICKNESS, and SACRIFICE

March 20, 2019 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. Leave a comment

“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me”…

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Posted in: Faith Filed under: Catholic liturgy, Scripture, Suffering

IS OURS a CULTURE of LIFE?

February 12, 2019 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. Leave a comment

Every human life is uniquely precious, of inestimable dignity, and worthy of being valued and protected. That truth, and the…

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Posted in: Ethics Filed under: Beginning of life health care, Human dignity

HOLY LAND: JESUS THERE and JESUS HERE

February 2, 2019 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. Leave a comment

Since writing my last Reflection, “Let Us Go to Bethlehem to See,” I have gone to Bethlehem and seen. I also…

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Posted in: Faith Filed under: Sacraments, Spirituality

LET US GO to BETHLEHEM to SEE

December 27, 2018 Fr. Jonah Pollock, O.P. Leave a comment

We are all familiar with the manger scene. Mary and Joseph kneel by the baby Jesus in the manger with…

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Posted in: Faith Filed under: Catholic liturgy, Christmas, Scripture

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Recent Posts

  • Discussion Post for THE LIFE OF BLESSED MARGARET OF CASTELLO, Chapters 18 and 19 December 23, 2021
  • Discussion Post for THE LIFE OF BLESSED MARGARET OF CASTELLO, Chapters 16 and 17 December 16, 2021
  • Discussion Post for THE LIFE OF BLESSED MARGARET OF CASTELLO, Chapters 14 and 15 December 8, 2021
  • Discussion Post for THE LIFE OF BLESSED MARGARET OF CASTELLO, Chapter 13 November 27, 2021
  • Discussion Post for THE LIFE OF BLESSED MARGARET OF CASTELLO, Chapters 11 and 12 November 17, 2021
  • Discussion Post for THE LIFE OF BLESSED MARGARET OF CASTELLO, Chapters 9 and 10 November 9, 2021
  • Discussion Post for THE LIFE OF BLESSED MARGARET OF CASTELLO, Chapters 7 and 8 November 2, 2021
  • Discussion Post for THE LIFE OF BLESSED MARGARET OF CASTELLO, Chapters 5 and 6 October 26, 2021
  • Discussion Post for THE LIFE OF BLESSED MARGARET OF CASTELLO, Chapters 3 and 4 October 19, 2021
  • Discussion Post for THE LIFE OF BLESSED MARGARET OF CASTELLO, Chapters 1 and 2 October 10, 2021
  • Discussion Post for THE LIFE OF BLESSED MARGARET OF CASTELLO, Introduction October 4, 2021
  • Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 9 Art, Pages 236-237 May 24, 2021
  • Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 9, Pages 197-216 May 17, 2021
  • Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 9, Pages 179-197 May 12, 2021
  • Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 8 Art, Pages 234-235 May 10, 2021
  • Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 8, Pages 165-177 April 26, 2021
  • Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 8, Pages 153-165 April 19, 2021
  • Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 7 Art, Pages 232-233 April 6, 2021
  • Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 7, Pages 145-151 March 22, 2021
  • Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 7, Pages 135-145 March 16, 2021
  • Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 6 Art, Pages 230-231 March 1, 2021
  • Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 6, Pages 123-133 February 22, 2021
  • Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 6, Pages 113-122 February 15, 2021
  • Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 5 Art, Pages 228-229 February 8, 2021
  • Discussion Post for THE LOST ART OF DYING, Chapter 5, Pages 100-111 February 2, 2021
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