The Missions and the World Day of the Sick
World Day of the Sick
This day of the Sick was established by the late Pope John Paul II in 1993, and has been celebrated annually since then. The Pope had seen the suffering endured by his people during the Second World War and the subsequent Soviet control of Poland. The attempt on his own life made suffering very personal for him, yet it never slowed him down. He was a shining example of the patient acceptance of suffering.
Celebration
The day is celebrated every year on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes on the 11th February. It is a day of intense prayer for those who suffer. Mary, Woman of suffering, comfort and hope, had a special message for the suffering and sick when she invited them to join their sufferings to those of Christ and turn to Him for spiritual, emotional and physical healing.
Papal Message
For the 18th World Day of the Sick 2010, Pope Benedict has a message for all Christians, for the sick and for health workers; 'Every human life should be lived in fullness even when it is weak and shrouded by the mystery of suffering.'
Community
The Pope recalls the Good Samaritan of the Gospel. He saw a man left half dead by the side of the road. He stopped, went over to him, became personally involved, bound up his wounds and brought him to an inn. The Day of the Sick urges every christian to be a true neighbour to the sick, to visit them, to bend over the physical and mental wounds of so many of their brothers and sisters, depressed, sick, injured, disabled, marginalised, distressed and abandoned, whom they meet on the highways of the world.
The sick
The experience of suffering is a challenge to accept it, mature through it and find meaning through being united with Christ who suffered and died for each of us. Suffering received with faith and united with the sufferings of Christ can be an effective instrument in saving ourselves and others.
Health workers
Health workers, especially priests and chaplains are invited to reach out to every person marked by suffering, sparing no effort in giving them care and comfort. They become the hands, feet, love and care of Christ for those who suffer.
Lourdes
Lourdes has a special place in the hearts of the many sick Irish pilgrims, accompanied by wonderful volunteers. Not all the sick find physical healing, but they do acquire the gift of peace. They know that Mary herself suffered and that she, the mother of hope, comforts them and gives them hope.
Mission Support
Pauline Marie Jaricot, foundress of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, established the three pillars of missionary support. These are prayer, financial help and the third, offering of suffering.
Difficulties
The recent kidnapping of Fr Michael Sinnott and the murder of Fr Jeremiah Roche are reminders of difficulties faced by missionaries. Most missionaries work in areas of natural and human hostility. They live closely in the local community sharing their deprivations, such as living in malaria infected areas or areas of civil upheaval. Missionaries often describe how a hidden power from above aided them during difficult times and are grateful to the people who have offered suffering for them.
St Thérèse of Lisieux
Though she never set foot in a mission land, St Thérèse is patroness of the missions. Influenced by Pauline Jaricot, she was aware of the pillar of support by the offering of suffering. As a young Carmelite, St Thérèse corresponded with a French missionary who found his missionary life very demanding on his human and spiritual resources. She promised to pray and make little sacrifices for him. As her illness grew and her pain increased, she offered her sufferings for all missionaries. 'I offer each painful step for a missionary in difficulty'.
Going and Giving
Some people give to the missions by going as missionaries. Others go to the missions by giving - especially by the offering of their suffering. Even though weak, even though physically or emotionally in pain, believers can become a source of strength for the Church. The pain, the trauma, the negativity of sickness and suffering can be transformed by the believer when united to those of Christ for one's own salvation and that of others.
Prayers and Reflections
For the last 34 years, World Missions Ireland has produced an annual prayer booklet for the sick and their carers. The latest issue is available from the World Missions, Ireland office. A donation to cover costs of print and postage is welcomed.
If you would like to find out more about the official Catholic charity for supporting the missionary activity of the Church, ie Society for the Propagation of the Faith, or if you would like to make a donation please click here. Alternatively you can ring the office at (01) 497 2035, send an email, or write to us at World Missions, Ireland, 64 Lower Rathmines Road, Dublin 6, Ireland.
This article was reproduced from The Catholic Voice.