English Bishops launch ‘The Art of Dying Well’

by asiel · November 5, 2016

Bishops in England and Wales turned to the Instagram social networking site as part of project to educate Catholics about the “art of dying well”.

A website and Instagram page were launched to offer advice on “helping people to die in peace” and to share resources on “death, dying and eternity”.

The emphasis is on understanding and dealing with death and bereavement and accepting them as parts of life that are not necessarily depressing.

The Art of Dying Well Instagram account will host a “Remember Them” virtual memorial wall. People are invited to post pictures and memories of a loved one who has died or is dying on the wall.

By tagging @artofdyingwell on Instagram, these names and photos will then be shared with five convents and abbeys throughout England, who will offer prayers for the dead and dying people.

The account will be complemented by an Art of Dying Well website which aims to reach out a “helping hand to those grappling with issues around death and dying”.

“Based in the Catholic tradition but open to all, it features real-life stories about the highs and lows of dealing with the final journey,” the press release from the English Bishops’ Conference said. “Professionals in palliative care, ethics, chaplaincy and history have informed the site content”.

The new website—www.artofdyingwell.org—includes a guide to the rituals available for Catholics as they prepare for death.

Such rites, along with prayers for the dying, are explained using an animated fictional story about a family facing death and bereavement. It is narrated by English actress Vanessa Redgrave.—By Simon Caldwell, CNS