Each year on Feb. 11, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Catholic Church draws special attention to its annual observation of the World Day of the Sick.
This year’s theme is “It is not good that man should be alone: Healing the Sick by Healing Relationships”
This is the thirty-second World Day which was instituted by Pope St. John Paul II “to encourage the people of God, Catholic health institutions and civil society to be increasingly attentive to the sick and to those who care for them.”
Read Pope Francis’ message for the World Day: English | Español
Learn more:
Pope’s World Day of Sick message: Heal relationships to heal the ill (Vatican News, Jan. 13, 2024)
Resources:
A Mass of faith, hope and healing is celebrated at St. Jude Church in Grand Rapids at 7 p.m.every first Wednesday of the month. The next Mass is Feb. 7. (Details)
From FAITH Grand Rapids magazine: The power of prayer in visiting the sick | Staying connected with those who are homebound
World Day of the Sick Blessing | Prayers for the Sick (Catholic Health Association of the U.S.)
Prayer for the Needs of the Sick (CCUSA)
Prayers for the Health and Dignity of the Sick (USCCB)
