The Church, Instagram and death have one thing in common - They all offer 'a helping hand'

'This is simply the beginning...'

Inspired by the Ars Moriendi, the Catholic Church in England and Whales is offering a new way to address the subject of death.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The Ars Moriendi, also called the "Art of Dying," was a popular 15th-century manuscript offering Christians comfort and advice to the dying and suffering.

The Catholic Church of England and Wales created a website titled, "The Art of Dying Well."

As morbid as it sounds, death is both natural and inevitable - So why not try to understand it?

As explained on the site, written and commissioned by the Catholic Church of England and Wales: "Dying well means different things to us all. Death is an individual experience, but a community of accompaniment on the journey can help us to prepare by bringing consolation and spiritual peace."

The Church released a 42-second short film to explain the relationship between life, death, and "the gateway to a better place."

The site provides guidance, Catholic rites, special Prayers for the Dying and helps those who are struggling with losing a loved one.

There is advice to help care for the terminally ill and explains: "Dying well, or what constitutes a 'good' death will mean different things to us all.

"But if you can face up to dying and try to prepare now, this could help you to live well too."

So where does Instagram fit in?

The Art of Dying Well opened an Instagram account with the hashtag #RememberThem

If you post a picture of a loved one who is dying or who has already passed away, nuns and monks pray for them.

It works as a virtual memorial wall for those who are still grieving or are working through the final moments of their loved ones' lives.

According to the Catholic Herald, five convents and abbeys participating are the Carmelite Monastery in west London, the Benedictine nuns at St. Cecilia's Abbey on the Isle of Wight, monks at St. Michael's Abbey in Hampshire, the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, based in Darlington, and the Alexian Brothers in Manchester.

A spokesman explained the purpose of the sites are: "[T]o help people keep death in mind, so as to fully embrace life now."

According to Christian Today, Dr. Kathryn Manniz, a distinguished palliative medicine consultant who has contributed to the site, believes The Art of Dying Well can help people retain peace as they grow closer to death.

"I knew from my hospice work that most dying people are not depressed, and in my clinic many people have lived to enjoy the last weeks and months of their lives. It's wonderful to see them regain their enjoyment of life again, when they simply expected to remain miserable until they died."

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