Hospice, which originated in the 11th century with the meaning of 'hospitality,' is now known as 'hospice palliative care.’ A professor in the Department of Hospice Palliative Medicine at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic University of Korea, explained, “Hospice is often known as treatment received before death, but it is treatment that helps manage symptoms of incurable diseases in an aging society.”
An author who lost her mother in her 30s, shared that her mother was admitted to the hospice palliative care ward at St. Mary's Hospital around the time it first opened. After admission, a nun asked her, ‘Have you prepared a portrait photo?’ She was shocked because she hadn't prepared at all for her mother's death. The author continued, but thanks to the nun, she could choose a moment when her mother was smiling most happily. After the funeral, at a memorial Mass for bereaved families, the priest said, ‘There is no one in this world who is not bereaved,’ which was a great comfort.
The Secretary General of Seoul Life Care, stated, “The Catholic Church places great importance on holistic care. Simply telling people to care for others vaguely can make it seem difficult, so we point to hospice as a model. Humans are born as the weakest beings and return to weakness. While the healthy may view this as unfortunate, each person is a being who finds meaning within their own circumstances."
Concerns were also raised regarding the recent active societal discussions on assisted suicide and euthanasia. “Countries where assisted suicide is permitted are those with sufficiently developed hospice infrastructure,” and added, “In our country, discussions on assisted suicide are being held despite the severe lack of hospice infrastructure.”
The panelists at the talk concert repeatedly urged a renewed reflection on the value of death. When asked, ‘If you had only one day left to live, how would you want to live?’, one patient replied, ‘I want to live just like yesterday’. “I hope those contemplating death will reflect more deeply on their present lives. How one lives now will undoubtedly shape how death is accepted.”
