Apostolate of Suffering

February 24, 2012

Recently, an elderly, life-long Catholic woman took a tumble, fracturing her hip. Because of her unstable cardiopulmonary status, surgery was out of the question. The family was told that without surgery she would perish, but because of her overall health she would most likely succumb during the induction of the anesthetic agents. Because of this, hospice was recommended.

When tragedy strikes, let us remember that calling a Catholic priest should be at the top of the list. Fortunately for this woman, her son is a priest and has administered the sacraments, including the apostolic blessing. He related that before celebrating a Mass at her bedside, knowing the answer before asking it, she said, "Why did God allow this to happen to me?"

Her son answered her by picking up the crucifix and showing it to her. She shook her head and said, "Yes, I know."

"Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church" (Col 1:24).

In other words, being part of the body of Christ, Jesus the head of the Church and we the members, have the singular privilege of joining our sufferings to those of Christ on the cross for the benefit of others. Simply put, we can offer our sufferings for the conversion of sinners. This is why we rejoice in our sufferings, not because we enjoy suffering, but what we can do with them.

While visiting this woman in her hospital room, the above-mentioned priest related this story, which happened not long after his ordination to the priesthood. He was called to see a woman who was told by her physician she had contracted incurable cancer. The grief-stricken woman told him that despite having sent her children to Catholic schools, none of them was practicing the faith. The priest was quick to say, "Offer your sufferings for their return to the Church!" Her mood immediately changed and she was later rewarded by their return to the faith. She rejoiced in eternity seeing her children go to confession and receiving Holy Communion at her funeral.

Not everyone has the luxury of having a priest in the family as in the story described above. Perhaps that is why Clara Tiry started the Apostolate of Suffering in 1926. It was her wish that those who suffer would be able to unite their sufferings together in a special way as each member united them to those of Christ’s on the cross. Every month, a Mass is offered for members of the apostolate and their intentions, another for deceased members and an additional one for deceased members on All Souls Day. In addition, all members share in a yearly novena of Masses. Members of the apostolate are also remembered in the daily prayers of those at the national office. Members also receive the quarterly newsletter. The yearly membership is $5 and a lifetime membership is $20. Membership is not only limited to those who suffer from physical or psychological difficulties but to those family and loved ones who care for them as well.

We are blessed to have the national office of the Apostolate of Suffering here in our diocese. Please contact us at The Apostolate of Suffering, 2241 O Street Lincoln, NE 68510 for more information. My prayer is that more faithful members of the mystical body of Christ take advantage of this treasure called the Apostolate of Suffering.