During his General Audience on
Wednesday, Pope Francis commemorated World Day of the Sick, urging physically
and spiritually closeness to all those who are sick.
The reporter for Vatican News
The thirty-first World Day of the
Sick was established by Pope John Paul II "to encourage the people of God,
Catholic health institutions, and civil society to be increasingly attentive to
the sick and those who care for them."
"Be merciful, even as your
Father is merciful" (Lk 6:36) is this year's theme: "Stand beside
those who suffer on a path of charity."
At the General Audience on
Wednesday, Pope Francis recalled the day, saying he wanted to "keep in
mind our dear sick people so that everyone can be assured of health care and
spiritual accompaniment." Let us pray for our brothers and sisters, their
families, health-care and pastoral-care workers, and everyone who looks after
them."
The Pope also mentioned Our Lady
of Lourdes' feast day while remembering the elderly and sick. The recognition
of the Lourdes Apparitions is 160 years old this year.
"I wish for each of you to
imitate the Blessed Virgin in her complete surrender to God's will."
"May her example and intercession serve as an encouragement to you as you
strengthen your testimony to the Gospel," the Pope said.
Helping the sick
Pope Francis reaffirms the mission
of welcoming and accompanying the sick in his message for World Day for the
Sick in 2022.
"The patient comes first,
always, over his illness, which is why any therapeutic approach must include
listening... How can we forget, in this respect, the many patients who were
isolated during the pandemic?"
Consolation
"Even when healing isn't
possible, care can always be provided," the Pope added. It is always
possible to console, to create a sense of closeness that is more concerned with
the person than with his or her pathology."
Because of the pandemic, the 30th
World Day of the Sick will not be held as planned in Arequipa, Peru. Holy Mass
will now be held in St. Peter's Basilica on February 11th.
Post a Comment