11th February 2010- World Day of the Sick

The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, has for the past eighteen years given us the opportunity to pray with and for those who are sick and their careers. This year sees the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Pontifical Church for Health Care Workers, who have been responsible for promoting this annual celebration and who support those involved in the provision of care, in the name of the church. Their theme for the year is 'The Church in the Service of Love for the Suffering'.

In his visit to Our Lady's Shrine at Lourdes in 2008, Pope Benedict reminded us that ' The primary purpose of the shrine at Lourdes is to be a place of encounter with God in prayer and a place of service to our brothers and sisters, notably through the welcome given to the sick, and poor and all who suffer'.

Extracts from our 'Prayers and Reflections Booklet No. 34' are avaialble below.

If you wish to order a hard copy of the full booklet, or indeed previous issues, you can do so by contacting Berna on 01-4972035 or e-mail berna@wmi.ie to place an order.

Prayers

In Sickness

The Lord gives; the Lord takes away.

Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Lord, in sickness and in health, I wish to serve you.

I ask for the gift of restored health

But if it is your will that my sickness continue

Please give us the strength to bear my cross.

Christ be with me,

Christ before and behind me,

Christ beneath and above me,

Christ on my right and on my left.

Christ in the heart of those who care for me.