11 February 2009: World Day of the Sick
Tuesday, February 10 2009The World Day of the Sick will be celebrated, as it is every year, on 11 February. This annual observance was instituted in 1992 by Pope John Paul II. Various documents are available to help prepare for this day.
The World Day of the Sick will be celebrated, as it is every year, on 11 February. This annual observance was instituted in 1992 by Pope John Paul II.
Its celebration is an opportunity to remind Catholics of the importance of:
- ensuring the sick have access to good health care;
- encouraging parishes and Church groups to be involved in and concerned about health care and pastoral ministry for the sick;
- recalling the need to provide spiritual and moral formation for those working with the sick;
- encouraging volunteers to be involved in helping to care for the sick;
- promoting reflection on the meaning of suffering;
- and inviting all those involved in medical care to appreciate the importance of their healing ministry.
Helpful links:
Message of Pope Benedict XVI for the 18th World Day of the Sick
Living, Suffering and Dying… What For? – a leaflet on suffering from the Catholic Organization for Life and Family
CCCB Permanent Council Pastoral Letter: Health care and the Catholic Church in Canada