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Salvifici Doloris is widely considered to contain some of John Paul II's best writing. In it he tackled one of humankind's most difficult questions, is there a meaning to suffering? Written in 1984 it was the first systematic reflection on the Church's teaching regarding the Christian meaning of human suffering. There are three central themes explored in Salvifici Doloris: The creative value of suffering: in that if God has permitted this relationship between life, suffering, death and resurrection, there must be a deeper meaning to it than simply the fragility of humanity. Suffering seems to belong to man's transcendence: it is one of those points in which man is in a certain sense destined to go beyond himself, and he is called to this in a mysterious way. The salvific value of suffering: because the weaknesses of all human sufferings are capable of being infused with the same power of God manifested in Christ's Cross. And the Christian vocation in moments of suffering: It is a vocation. Christ does not explain in the abstract the reasons for suffering, but before all else he says: Follow me! Come! Take part through your suffering in this work of saving the world, a salvation achieved through my suffering!… (more)
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Uniform Title: Salvifici doloris. English
Corp Author(s): Catholic Church.
Publication: [Vatican City ] : Vatican Polygott Press,
Year: 1984
Description: 74 p. ; 22 cm.
Language: English
SUBJECT(S)
Descriptor: Suffering -- Religious aspects -- Catholic Church -- Papal documents.
Note(s): Translation of Salvifici doloris.
Class Descriptors: LC: BT732.7
Other Titles: Apostlic letter Salvifici doloris.; Salvifici doloris.
Document Type: Book
Entry: 19850730
Update: 20100411
Accession No: OCLC: 12325122
Pope John Paul II
Sometimes it is a good idea to take a step away from our work, to call a time out, and to take some stock of what we are doing in our lives. This is true for whatever our vocation is, or whatever our profession. In my case, I recommend this letter from
It is also a good idea to remember that our livelihood, for all specialties, is made possible by the sorrow and pain of others: fallout from the Fall of Adam.
Pope John Paul II published this letter in February 1984, approximately two and a half years after he was shot. My guess is that this letter was inspired by his experience as a patient. George Weigel’s book, Witness to Hope covers this part of his pontificate very well. Pope John Paul II seemed to be very active in the decision making process of his medical care.
I could go on for a while, trying to review this Apostolic Letter, but your time would be better spent reading the document.