One of the joys I have in my ministry is travelling to other religious communities to facilitate retreats. A special “perk” is that members of the communities with whom I am working will often recommend to me books they have read.
Recently, a group of Sisters suggested I might appreciate a book, (they kindly gave me a copy) entitled, “While I Breathe, I Hope: A Mystagogy of Dying” by Richard Gaillardetz, late Chair of Systematic Theology at Boston College. From its title I didn’t think it looked too promising. It certainly didn’t sound like a book to invite curling up in a comfy chair to read .. And let’s face it, how many have even heard the word, “mystagogy”? (It means a process to guide people in the mysteries of life in Christ).
I somewhat reluctantly opened the book one evening during the retreat. Contrary to my presuppositions I couldn’t put it down! It is one of the finest and most moving books I have ever read. It is truly a vivid guide in the mysteries of a life lived fully, with all its joys, ups and downs, doubts and faith, despairs and hopes, loves and losses, in Christ Paschal Mystery writ large.
Diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer, Richard Gaillardetz, began sharing his experiences in a blog, posted on the support website, “CaringBridge”, from which the chapters of the book are derived. They are written sequentially during the last months of his life. Here, Gaillardetz seeks guidance from his Christian faith for the journey of dying. Each segment of the book ends with the Latin phrase, Dum spiro, spero, “while I breathe, I hope”. In his personal journey at the end of life he finds challenges and consolation in his faith and he also discovers new meanings in faith practices and in the Church’s liturgical seasons and celebrations.
