World Day of the Sick – Friday 11 February 2022

The 30th World Day of the Sick will be celebrated on Friday 11 February, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. The World Day of the Sick is an initiative which was started by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1992.  Pope Benedict and Pope Francis have continued this special World Day – an occasion during which the whole Church bears witness with special concern to the tender mercy and love of God towards all who suffer. It is a time to pause and be prayerfully in solidarity with those who are sick and with all who care for the sick.

The theme for this year’s  World Day of the Sick is: ‘Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful’ (Lk 6:36) – Standing beside those who suffer on a path of charity.

In his message for this year’s World Day of the Sick Pope Francis says: “The theme chosen for this Thirtieth World Day of the Sick, “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful” (Lk 6:36), makes us first turn our gaze towards God, who is “rich in mercy” (Eph 2:4); he always watches over his children with a father’s love, even when they turn away from him. Mercy is God’s name par excellence; mercy, understood not as an occasional sentimental feeling but as an ever-present and active force, expresses God’s very nature.  It combines strength and tenderness. For this reason, we can say with wonder and gratitude that God’s mercy embraces both fatherhood and motherhood (cf. Is 49:15). God cares for us with the strength of a father and the tenderness of a mother; he unceasingly desires to give us new life in the Holy Spirit.”

The Holy Father also reminds people “that closeness to the sick and their pastoral care is not only the task of certain specifically designated ministers; visiting the sick is an invitation that Christ addresses to all his disciples. How many sick and elderly people are living at home and waiting for a visit! The ministry of consolation is a task for every baptized person, mindful of the word of Jesus: “I was sick and you visited me” ( Mt 25:36).”

Read the full text of Pope Francis message here.

As chair of the Council for Healthcare of the Irish Episcopal Conference, the Auxiliary Bishop of Armagh, Bishop Michael Router, welcomed Pope Francis’ message for the World Day of the Sick 2022.

“This year marks the 30^th anniversary of the institution of World Day of the Sick by Pope Saint John Paul II: a day that encourages everyone to be attentive to those who are suffering and to support those who care for them. Since its institution, much progress has been made medically and scientifically. Yet, we are reminded by Pope Francis that we still have much to do to ensure that those who are poor or marginalised receive the health care and pastoral care that they need.  The theme for this year’s World Day of the Sick is “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful”. Pope Francis tells us that “Mercy is God’s name par excellence”. It is not something fleeting or sentimental but ever-present and active, combining strength and tenderness. In the Gospels we see Jesus displaying great concern and mercy for the sick. He made proclaiming the Gospel and healing the sick central to the mission of his disciples. People who are sick or in pain are isolated from others and that is why Jesus made healing and pastoral outreach to the sick such an important part of the Christian life.

Pope Francis says that Jesus’ invitation to be merciful like the Father has particular implications for healthcare workers. Their service to the sick goes beyond purely professional competence. It becomes a mission assigning their work a special dignity. He encourages healthcare workers to see the person beyond the disease and to listen to them because “even when healing is not possible, care can always be given”.

The instruction of Jesus to his disciples to heal the sick has led the Christian community to establish many hospitals, dispensaries and care homes, where treatment and pastoral care can be given to those who are sick, particularly the poor and the socially excluded. These have been the means by which Christian charity has become visible and credible. In this context Pope Francis reaffirms the importance of Catholic Healthcare institutions. He outlines that “they are a precious treasure to be protected and preserved; their presence has distinguished the history of the Church, showing her closeness to the sick and the poor, and to situations overlooked by others”. Francis also adds that even in developed countries the presence of Catholic Healthcare facilities is a blessing because they offer the gift of charity, focus on the sick and their families, and protect and care for all life from its beginning to its natural end.

Pope Francis reminds us that the pastoral care of the sick is not just the task of a few designated ministers but the task of every baptised person. He finishes his message by entrusting all the sick and their families to the intercession of Mary, Health of the Infirm, and by offering his prayer for healthcare workers everywhere.”

Prayers

Lend Me Your Hand

Jesus, remember me
at this time.
I have questions and concerns.
I am worried.
As you journey with me, Jesus,
in your promise
of everlasting friendship,
help me to place myself
in your care
as you lend me your hand
through the care of my carers.
Help us, Jesus,
to allow God’s Light
to shine through
our hopes and concerns.

AMEN

Open-Hearted Carer

For each person in my care,
O loving and mysterious God,
Open my heart to their healing need.
Strengthen me.
Give me wisdom as you guide me
in my care for the sick.
Help me to see the presence
of the suffering and risen Jesus
in each person and to know always
that you look at me, O Lord,
through the eyes of the sick
and that you love each of us as we
give and receive care from each other.

AMEN

Saint John Henry Newman’s Prayer

O Lord, support us all the day long
until the shadows lengthen and evening comes,
and the busy world is hushed,
and the fever of life is over,
and our work is done.
Then, in your mercy,
grant us a safe lodging,
and a holy rest, and peace at last.

AMEN