The Catholic Weekly 23 May 2021

$2 Euthanasia is evidence of a society that has lost its soul and only finds satisfaction in ... escape and distraction.” Michael McHugh SYDNEY DOCTORS and members of the Australian Catholic Medical Association specialising in the field of pal- liative care have spoken out strongly against any move to implement euthanasia laws in NSW at a series of talks at the Bankstown parish of St. Felix De Valois. The series titled “Euthana- sia, dying and the dignity of the human person,” was held over three weeks and included talks from a theological perspective, a medical perspective and a political and legal perspective. Michael McHugh, a nurse with experience in geriatrics and palliative care was strongly opposed to euthanasia, saying he prayed for his patients to remember their purpose and meaning. “Iamagainsteuthanasiaasit iscleartomethatitisadysfunc- tional response to the deepest questions we could ask our- selves,” said Michael McHugh. “[Euthanasia] is evidence of a society that has lost its soul and only finds satisfaction in self-indulgence, self-gratifica- tion, or escape and distraction. “Every person, even if they can’t see it has a deeper pur- pose. “I pray for my patients, and I encourage them to find a mis- sion or a purpose for their last days because I know they de- serve the best.” Mr McHugh was joined by Sr. Cecilia MacKay of the Little Sisters of the Poor at Randwick, Dr. Lynn Lim, a palliative care doctor and Dr. Charbel Beija- ni a palliative care doctor who came together to offer input from a variety of medical per- spectives. St. Felix De Valois Assistant parish priest Fr. Ronnie Maree kicked off the talks with the theological perspective, and Archdiocesan Director, Public Affairs and Engagement Moni- ca Doumit rounded out the se- ries with a talk on the political and legal perspective. The series came shortly after Independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich delivered a private member’s statement informing parliament of his intent topres- ent legislation legalising eutha- nasia in New South Wales in September. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 “I pray for my patients” Sydney palliative care doctors speak out against moves to legalise euthanasia in New SouthWales ¾ Benjamin Conolly 23, May, 2021 RETREATS 2021 THE CONVERSIONS THAT ROCKED SWEDEN P25 LIFTOUT INSIDE Give TODAY for a better TOMORROW caritas.org.au/give 1800 024 413 2021 EDITION ‘Maywe try to listenandbe silent inorder tomake space for thebeautyofGod’ -PopeFrancis ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT Drawing on the Go Make Disciples Archdiocesan Mission Plan, Fr Paul Smithers is launching an exciting new chapter for one of the city’s foundational Catholic communities. EXCLUSIVE REPORT: P14-15 NEW PARISH FOR SYDNEY