World Day of the Sick February 11th 2021

In his letter to mark the 29th World Day of the Sick on 11th February 2021, Pope Francis has called for us to remember those who continue to suffer the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. In his message, he expressed his spiritual closeness and reassured all the poor and marginalised of the Church’s loving concern for them.

In his letter, Pope Francis said: “Dear brothers and sisters, the commandment of love that Jesus left to his disciples is also kept in our relationship with the sick. A society is all the more human to the degree that it cares effectively for its most frail and suffering members, in a spirit of fraternal love. Let us strive to achieve this goal, so that no one will feel alone, excluded or abandoned.

“To Mary, Mother of Mercy and Health of the Infirm, I entrust the sick, healthcare workers and all those who generously assist our suffering brothers and sisters. From the Grotto of Lourdes and her many other shrines throughout the world, may she sustain our faith and hope, and help us care for one another with fraternal love. To each and all, I cordially impart my blessing.”

This World Day of the Sick, may we pray for the many people around our diocese facing ill health and sickness due to Coronavirus and other long-term health conditions. As we move through the pandemic, may we not forget the lessons we have learned about our care for others, about building community and remaining connected with those facing sickness and disability.

Read the full Message here: www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/sick/documents/papa-francesco_20201220_giornata-malato.html

Pope Francis has recently composed a prayer to Our Lady, Health of the Sick to implore her protection during the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.

O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope.

We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick. At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus’ pain, with steadfast faith. You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need. We are certain that you will provide, so that, as you did at Cana of Galilee, joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial.

Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform ourselves to the Father’s will

and to do what Jesus tells us: He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and bore our sorrows to bring us, through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen.

We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God.

Do not despise our pleas – we who are put to the test – and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.