World Day of the Sick 2009
11 February is the World Day of the Sick. It's the date in the Church's calendar where we come together to reflect on the meaning of pain and suffering and the Christian duty to care for and help others whenever and wherever we can. It's also the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.
The Holy Father's message
Pope Benedict focuses on children in this year's message for the World Day of the Sick. He describes the "little human beings who carry in their bodies the consequences of illnesses".
"We cannot forget the incalculable number of young people who die because of thirst, hunger, lack of health care, and the little exiles and refugees from their own lands, with their parents, who are in search of better conditions of life. From all these children arises a silent cry of pain that calls on our conscience as men and believers."
Pope Benedict wants Christians to stand united to help those in our communities who are suffering:
"I hope that the World Day of the Sick will also offer an opportunity to parish and diocesan communities to become increasingly aware that they are “God’s family”, and will encourage them to make the love of the Lord, who asks that “within the ecclesial family no member should suffer through being in need”, perceivable in villages, neighbourhoods and cities. Witness to charity is a part of the life itself of every Christian community. And from the outset the Church translated Gospel principles into concrete actions, as we can read in the Acts of the Apostles.
The Pope also urges Christians to offer practical support to families with sick children and those that care for the sick:
"One should bend down in front of people who are so sorely troubled and offer them the support of practical
solidarity. In this way, the acceptance and sharing of suffering is translated into a useful support to the families of sick children, creating within them a climate of serenity and hope, and making them feel surrounded by a wider
family of brothers and sisters in Christ."
Read/download:
Pope Benedict XVI's message for the World Day of Prayer for the Sick 2009 (pdf)
Meet Bishop Tom Williams
Bishop Tom Williams is an Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool. He's also Chair of the Bishops' Conference Healthcare Reference Group.
The World Day of the Sick is a good time to get to know Bishop Tom a little better and take a closer look at his healthcare role and the need to support Catholics working in the healthcare sector.
Podcast
Listen/download our two-part audio interview with Bishop Tom Williams.
Meet Bishop Tom Williams (mp3)
Prayer to Christ the Healer
In the comfort of your love, I pour out to you,
my Saviour
the memories that haunt me,
the anxieties that perplex me,
the fears that stifle me,
the sickness that prevails upon me,
and the frustration of all the pain that weaves about within me.
Lord, help me to see your peace in my turmoil,
your compassion in my sorrow,
your forgiveness in my weakness,
and your love in my need.
Touch me, o Lord, with your healing power and strength.
Amen.
Anon
Catholics in Healthcare
The Church has, since its earliest times, been committed to caring for those who are sick or in need. Institutions established by churches and religious orders laid the foundations of the modern health service. Today, many lay Catholics work in the health service, in all disciplines and fields, and Catholic hospital chaplains provide a vital ministry.
Click here for information, publications and resources from Catholics in Healthcare.