Meeting at the Gertrudenstift with Caritas priest and spiritual director Meinolf Winzeler
Rheine. cpr. “Hospice care … I think it’s great that you do it, but I couldn’t.” These or similar statements are heard by many who are involved in the accompaniment of the dying. Certainly, this volunteer task is a special one; more or less stressful depending on the circumstances, but always fulfilling. Those who volunteer in outpatient hospice are not alone. At the beginning, there is a well-founded training, after which monthly group meetings offer opportunities to exchange experiences. Supervision and case discussions, further education and training, discussion and socializing support the hospice volunteers.
This is also how the ecumenical outpatient hospice of Caritas Rheine works, since the outbreak of the Corona pandemic, of course, under more difficult conditions. Fortunately, individual accompaniment could be carried out, but group activities had to be cancelled or only took place digitally.
All the nicer that a meeting could now take place again on a topic that is particularly important for all those who are involved as helpers: “How can I draw strength, where do I find my sources of strength?” Meinolf Winzeler, Caritas priest and spiritual director of the Gertrudenstift organized this evening with the volunteer hospice companions.
It was deepened how the spirituality of Ignatius of Loyola can serve as a “source of strength” today, a spirituality that is not exclusively Christian or even Catholic, but is open to all people. Father Winzeler explained some of Ignatius’ thoughts in more detail, including the statement that “God is to be found in all things.” This requires that before judging or condemning a situation, it must first be seen and accepted in an unbiased and non-judgmental way. Another important pillar of Ignatian spirituality is the “examination of conscience”. What is meant is an “examination of life” in which one takes time during the course of the day to look back with the “loving eyes of God” in order to enter into conversation with Him.
Giving life an “order” that is good for the person and his environment is another approach. In this way, “disordered dependencies” can often be avoided. This refers to habits, such as excessive media consumption or addictions, or even work. For Ignatius, “silence” is a vital prerequisite for perceiving the inner and outer in order to find the way to oneself and thus to God. The hospice group thanked Father Winzeler with long-lasting applause, who had not simply lectured facts, but had made clear what potential Ignatian spirituality contains as a source of strength, also for those who are not in search of God.
For questions about the work of the ecumenical outpatient hospice Rheine or if there is interest in volunteering: Caritasverband Rheine e.V., Lingener Straße 11 in 48429 Rheine: by mail to or by phone to Anna Zeitler at 05971 862-347.