On Friday 11 February 2022 we will celebrate the World Day of the Sick.
Download and read the Holy Father’s message (PDF).
Choosing as a theme, “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful” Pope Francis writes, “Mercy is God’s name par excellence; mercy, understood not as an occasional sentimental feeling but as an ever-present and active force”. Pope Francis’s message contains rich and profound thoughts which will benefit everyone. It is Cardinal Vincent’s hope that we will all read it in preparation for the World Day of the Sick and share it as widely as possible.
In paragraph 2 of the letter we are reminded how bodily affliction also effects our spirit, ‘hearts become heavy, fear spreads, uncertainties multiply …..” and then In paragraph 3 Pope Francis addresses healthcare workers directly: ” … your service alongside the sick, carried out with love and competence, transcends the bounds of your profession and becomes a mission.”
With this in mind we are asked to make the message of the Holy Father available to healthcare workers in our parishes. There are many in our congregations who work in healthcare and in healthcare institutions. They will be greatly encouraged by the words of the Holy Father following their experiences of Covid-19 and as they live out their everyday occupation.
Please invite those who work in healthcare, in particular, to avail themselves of a copy of the Pope’s message.
The Mass for the Sick will be celebrated in the Cathedral on Saturday 12 February at 2:00 pm, though as previously notified, Anointing of the Sick will not be administered this year.