BETWEEN CARE AND FAITH: THE EXPERIENCE OF CATHOLIC PRACTICES IN A SPECIALIZED PALLIATIVE CARE UNIT

Júlia Luiza de Faria; Camila Rodrigues Ribeiro Metzker Ferro; Henrique Metzker Ferro; Izabella Caroline Gebrim Rodrigues; Lucas Rabelo Fernandes Leão; Erika Renata Nascimento Cavalcanti de Oliveira

Todos os Trabalhos

Trabalho

Título do Trabalho

BETWEEN CARE AND FAITH: THE EXPERIENCE OF CATHOLIC PRACTICES IN A SPECIALIZED PALLIATIVE CARE UNIT

Autores

Júlia Luiza de Faria
Camila Rodrigues Ribeiro Metzker Ferro
Henrique Metzker Ferro
Izabella Caroline Gebrim Rodrigues
Lucas Rabelo Fernandes Leão
Erika Renata Nascimento Cavalcanti de Oliveira

Modalidade

Resumo

Área temática

Saúde e Espiritualidade

Data de Publicação

21/08/2026

País da Publicação

Brasil

Idioma da Publicação

pt-BR

Página do Trabalho

https://www.even3.com.br/anais/xxvii-fiamc-world-congress-for-catholic-physicians-abstract-session-688844/1504888-between-care-and-faith--the-experience-of-catholic-practices-in-a-specialized-palliative-care-unit

ISBN

978-65-272-2684-0

Palavras-Chave

Palliative care, spirituality, catholicism

Resumo

Introduction: When facing life-threatening conditions, patients eligible for palliative care often mobilize existential and spiritual dimensions related to the search for meaning, comfort, and coping with illness. When integrated into healthcare institutions—without imposition and respecting the plurality of individual beliefs—spiritual support contributes to improved quality of life, offering comfort and meaning in the face of finitude. As a tool for social and emotional care, religious practice can be added to the routine of patients and healthcare professionals as a possibility for multidimensional care. Objective: To describe the experience of a ward in a public hospital specialized in palliative care in the Federal District (Brazil), which includes, among other approaches, Catholic practice as a formal instrument within the institution's routine through weekly Masses and the administration of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, and to discuss its impact on patient care. Methods: This is a descriptive experience report based on staff accounts during the year 2025. The activity—officially recognized by the unit—is led by a community priest who provides continuous accompaniment to patients and professionals at the hospital. Data regarding spirituality are recorded in medical charts, and the organization of activities relies on volunteers who visit the wards to invite patients and companions to participate. The chapel’s central location facilitates access, including the transportation of bedridden patients. Results: The celebration of Mass and the administration of sacraments fostered the building of bonds between patients, professionals, and the priest, promoting spiritual and emotional support. Spiritual care strengthened resilience by mitigating spiritual pain and reframing suffering, contributing to improved quality of life and healthy coping mechanisms for patients, families, and the healthcare team when facing finitude. Furthermore, the regularity of the celebrations provided personalized attention, respecting individual beliefs and values, ensuring broad outreach and welcoming. Conclusion: This report highlights the importance of including structured spiritual support within the clinical routine, demonstrating its feasibility in public institutions and contributing to an integral and ethical approach. The adoption of similar practices in other palliative care services is recommended, in line with guidelines that recognize spirituality as an essential dimension of care.

Título do Evento: XXVII FIAMC World Congress for Catholic Physicians - ABSTRACT SESSION
Cidade do Evento: Brasília
Título dos Anais do Evento: Proceedings of the XXVII FIAMC World Congress of Catholic Physicians and VI Brazilian Congress of Catholic Physicians
Nome da Editora: Even3
Meio de Divulgação: Meio Digital

Como citar

FARIA, Júlia Luiza de et al.. BETWEEN CARE AND FAITH: THE EXPERIENCE OF CATHOLIC PRACTICES IN A SPECIALIZED PALLIATIVE CARE UNIT.. In: Proceedings of the XXVII FIAMC World Congress of Catholic Physicians and VI Brazilian Congress of Catholic Physicians. Anais...Brasília(DF) Casa Dom Luciano, 2026. Disponível em: https//www.even3.com.br/anais/xxvii-fiamc-world-congress-for-catholic-physicians-abstract-session-688844/1504888-BETWEEN-CARE-AND-FAITH--THE-EXPERIENCE-OF-CATHOLIC-PRACTICES-IN-A-SPECIALIZED-PALLIATIVE-CARE-UNIT. Acesso em: 11/09/2026