World Day of the Sick

February 11 is World Day of the Sick, an observation introduced by Pope John Paul II as a way for believers to offer prayers for those suffering from illnesses. It coincides with the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes, commemorating 18 apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary between February 11 and July 16, 1858. Since then, Lourdes has become a pilgrimage site where many people experienced physical and spiritual healing.

The Church always wants to stand by those who are in need and offers them grace from the sacraments established by Jesus Christ.

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is meant for those who suffer from illness or old age. The celebration consists of the anointing of the forehead and hands of the sick person accompanied by the liturgical prayer of the celebrant.

The special grace of this sacrament has as its effects:

• the uniting of the sick person to the passion of Christ, for his own good and that of the whole Church
• the strengthening, peace, and courage to endure in a Christian manner the sufferings of illness or old age
• the forgiveness of sins, if unable to obtain through the Sacrament of Penance
• the restoration of health, if it is conducive to the salvation of his soul
• the preparation for passing over to eternal life

Elderly and sick people will have the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick during the 9:00AM Holy Mass on Saturday, February 10.