The World Day of the Sick is held on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, February 11 of each year. Instituted by the Holy John Paul II in 1992, this day is a day of awareness for those who are suffering from illness, often alone and isolated.
In the spirit of Jubilee 2025, Pope Francis has taken up the theme of hope, selecting a variant for this day “Hope does not disappoint (Rom 5:5), but strengthens us in times of trial.”
If this expression is consoling, it also provokes many questions, especially among those who are suffering: “How can we remain strong when we are touched in our flesh by serious, disabling illnesses, which may require care whose costs are beyond our means? How can we remain strong when, in addition to our own suffering, we see that of those who love us and who, while being close to us, feel powerless to help us?” This is where the need for support greater than ourselves comes in: “we need God’s help, his grace, his Providence, the strength that is the gift of his Spirit.” (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1808)
In his message, the Holy Father invites us to reflect on God’s presence with those who suffer, pointing out three aspects, including sharing.
“Places of suffering are frequently also places of sharing and mutual enrichment. How often, at the bedside of the sick, do we learn to hope! How often, by our closeness to those who suffer, do we learn to have faith! How often, when we care for those in need, do we discover love! We realize that we are “angels” of hope and messengers of God for one another, all of us together: whether patients, physicians, nurses, family members, friends, priests, men and women religious, no matter where we are, whether in the family or in clinics, nursing homes, hospitals or medical centres.”
Read the Pope’s full message in English, French and Spanish.
In several dioceses, there are pastoral care services. In Montreal, the Service d’accompagnement spirituel des personnes malades ou âgées à domicile (SASMAD) is of particular note. This organization offers individual home visits by a volunteer. For more information, visit their website. Other resources are also available, including those developed by The Catholic Health Association of the United States.