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    Published: 2025-11-06
    Vol. 60 No. 2 (2025)

    Pastoral Accompaniment of the Elderly in Social Welfare Homes: the Example of the Lahishin House of Mercy in the Pinsk Diocese in Belarus

    Yanush Charnamorau
    Warszawskie Studia Pastoralne
    Section: Artykuły
    https://doi.org/10.21697/wsp.2025.2.05

    Abstract

    Over the past 10 years in Belarus, the share of persons aged 65 and over has risen to 17%. Given a total population of 9.11 million in 2025, this amounts to approximately 1.55 million seniors (17.55%). It is projected that by 2030 their proportion will exceed 20%. The growing percentage of an ageing society poses new challenges for pastoral ministry. The Catholic Church in Belarus will need to undertake appropriate measures to support older persons effectively and in ways adequate to their needs. According to the 1998 document of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, The Dignity and Mission of Older People in the Church and in the World, the Church should seek suitable methods and forms of accompaniment for older persons, the essence of which is grounded in theological principles derived from Revelation (p. 501). This article presents modes of pastoral accompaniment for older persons through the example of the Catholic Residential Care Home Lahishin House of Mercy in the Diocese of Pinsk, Belarus. It first outlines the nature of residential care homes and the right of their residents to religious ministry in the light of Belarusian law. It then presents the theological foundations for pastoral accompaniment of older persons residing in such homes. Following a description of the methods and forms of pastoral work implemented at the Lahishin House of Mercy, the article formulates conclusions and pastoral postulates. Among other points, it highlights the necessity of comprehensive legal regulation of residents’ rights to pastoral care, of the status of the chaplain, and of the requirements placed on those who exercise these roles. It further advocates for organizing regular individual pastoral conversations with residents and for engaging suitably formed lay persons in pastoral activities.

    Keywords:

    older persons, pastoral accompaniment of older persons, residential care home, chaplain

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    Citation rules

    Charnamorau, Y. (2025). Pastoral Accompaniment of the Elderly in Social Welfare Homes: the Example of the Lahishin House of Mercy in the Pinsk Diocese in Belarus. Warszawskie Studia Pastoralne, 60(2), 85–116. https://doi.org/10.21697/wsp.2025.2.05

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