Background: World Day of the Sick
February 11, 2016
February 11 is the 24th World Day of the Sick, a commemoration instituted by St. John Paul II that takes place each year on the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes.
The title of Pope Francis’s message for the day is “Entrusting oneself to the merciful Jesus like Mary: ‘Do whatever he tells you.’”
In his letter instituting the commemoration, St. John Paul wrote that the day should be “a special time of prayer and sharing, of offering one’s suffering for the good of the Church and of reminding everyone to see in his sick brother or sister the face of Christ who, by suffering, dying, and rising, achieved the salvation of mankind.”
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- World Day of the Sick focuses on role of the faithful in cooperating with Christ's healing power, cardinal says (CWN, 1/28)
- Pope Francis: Messages for the World Day of the Sick
- Pope Benedict XVI: Messages for the World Day of the Sick
- St. John Paul II: Messages for the World Day of the Sick
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!