We've received some great feedback following the launch of the Art of Dying Well in late 2016. One reader said: "A brilliant contribution to the world of death and dying." We'd like to say a big thank you to all who've taken the time to get in touch with their very personal stories about death, dying and caring for the terminally ill.
We’re delighted that so many of you have been in touch to let us know what you think of the Art of Dying Well. Thank you to each and every one of you.
We wanted to share some of the lovely messages we’ve received over the past months:
“I am so pleased and grateful to have heard about this site. I have survived Stage III cancer so far, but never know when it may return, and to have all this advice, assistance and ‘accompanying’ in one place is wonderful. Also, I was so weak that physically holding a book to read it, even a small book, was impossible, as I had no strength in my hands at all. But I can prop my iPad on my lap and just tap it lightly, to read what I want. Very grateful.” Karen T
Read more about: What is a good death?
“Thank you for this wonderful resource. We will certainly direct people to it because caring for those who are ill is, thankfully, an increasing part of what we do.” Allan Doyle, Funeral Director
Read more about: Providing holistic care
“Congratulations on a brilliant and very useful website. I am a palliative care physician in the US and I am eager to share this resource with our staff, patients and families. Thank you for your hard work and adherence to the teachings of the magisterium. Bravo, well done!” Cecilia L.M.
“This morning I picked up information on this website on Malaysian Christian News – and I live in Dublin! What a brilliant contribution to the world of death and dying you have made here. In this era of the Culture of Death this is so positive and hopeful. Your website and the report from the Catholic Herald should be spread far and wide. I hope that it is publicized in every hospice and every available place where death is being faced. Well done! Certainly it is “lighting a candle instead of cursing the darkness” and I’m proud that Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God is associated with The Art of Dying. God bless.” Finnian Gallagher OH
Read more about: Big questions about death
“Well done on creating such a sensitive and helpful space. Thank you.” Baroness Nuala O’Loan
“Thank you for this beautiful site. My dad is 95 and suffered a paralyzing stroke three years ago. He has been home with us for two years. It is at times difficult to take care of him but there are many blessings. He receives Jesus in the Eucharist daily as was his custom before getting ill. He often thinks of people who wouldn’t normally come to mind and he prays for them. We believe the Holy Spirit is reminding him of these individuals as they are in need of prayer. Many times we have gotten confirmation of that when we have shared with someone that dad was interceding for them they immediately share a story of a need they had at the same time he was praying. Unfortunately dad does not feel God’s presence… almost like the dark night of the soul, but he carries on anyway. His only dream is to get to church again. Please keep him in your prayers. His name is Patrick Connolly (from America) God bless you!” Breeda Connolly
Read more about: The support of the Church
“I have just read your new site on the Art of Dying Well. It has given me great solace as I journey to my own death. It was wonderful to hear Dr Mannix, speak so lovingly about the very end of our earthly life. I had read some of her articles previously and was so relieved to find someone who had views similar to mine. A wonderful resource. Thank you.” Margaret S
Read more about: What is death like?
“As well as parish priest I am chaplain to a major hospital, A + E Department and the adjoining Cancer Hospice, I am most grateful for this resource.” Fr Jason Jones
“An excellent uplifting website which, hopefully, may help many to face the inevitable encounter with Sister Death.” Lawrence F
“Although I am not a catholic and I live in Holland, I wanted to let you know that I find this new website the Art of Dying Well, really wonderful and comforting. How good of you to have set it up. I also love the web design and the spoken messages! A really great job! Thank you.” Fidelia W
“Lovely and helpful site with a lot of good points. It seems to be made particularly for lapsed Catholics, which is very important!” Reddit user: caelestisbeneficium
“This is a good website addressing important topics about a taboo subject in a clear, kind and Catholic manner. I’m glad they made it, especially with the ageing population and with discussion around assisted suicide.” Reddit user: wednesdayinautumn
Read more about: Why we created this site