memling 3

It was believed... 

that both death and disease were caused by original sin.

So, how were you réally going to be cured?

You are going to be cured by the intervention of Christ and the saints.

The goal of the medieval hospital was not only caring for the bodily needs of the ill... 

but the goal was to help people make a good death.

Now, what does that mean?

It means, that they would have a chance to avail themselves of the sacraments:

of confession, of extreme unction, taking their last communion...

so that theire sins would be wiped out...

and they would go directly to heaven...

or perhaps spend less time in purgatory.

And purgatory was conceived as a place...

like hell, but temporary...

But you wouldn't want to stand time, there...

Thus, making a good death...

and they would hélp you go to heaven...

thát was so important.

In fact when a person first entered the hospital... 

the first thing they did, was call the priest.

The priests were attached to the hospital.

They had a nearby house.

Interestingly enough, they rarely called upon physicians.

But called upon the priest all the time.

His duties were not to a parish, as in an earlier period.

No, it was decided it was only to the hospital.

He was the priest for the brothers and sisters...

and for the patients.

So the first thing, you were brought in...

If you were conscious, you would make your confession.

You'd be absolved of your sins.

If you were not conscious, you'd probably receive extreme unction.

Or certainly at least the anointing of the sick.

Then, mass, Divine Office...

and... relics... and art work!

Rogier van der Weyden, Laatste Oordeel (detail)

All these painting have as their theme Salvation.

Because... you are in danger of death!

And this concern was also for the religious who served in the hospital.

They all wanted to go to Heaven, and followed the Acts of Mercy...

as Christ said they are necessary for someone to enter Heaven.

[bron]