In his message to the faithful for the 2022 World Day of the Sick, Pope Francis has focused on the theme of mercy. He quotes Luke’s Gospel, “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” (Lk: 6:36) The Holy Father adds for us to “stand beside those who suffer on a path of charity.”
Thirty years ago, Saint John Paul II instituted World Day of the Sick to be celebrated each Feb. 11, on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, a title of Mary associated with miraculous healing. This special observance was established for the world to focus on those who are suffering from sickness and those who dedicate their lives caring for them. On this day, we are called to join in solidarity with those in hospitals, nursing homes or at home who are experiencing the pain and isolation of illness, injury or disability by praying for them and offering our presence. We are especially called this day to follow the corporal work of mercy to “visit the sick” and bring to them the love and hope of Jesus in their time of trial.
This day is also a day for us to offer our prayerful thanksgiving for all those who give of themselves to care for the sick. Whether they are medical professionals and healthcare workers at our institutions of healing or family members and volunteers who care for those at home suffering from the effects of illness, trauma, disease or the ill effects of aging.
Even with great advances in medical technology, we know that there are an inordinate number of people worldwide and within our own country, our state, our Diocese who are not always assured access to adequate medical care and restorative services. Those who are marginalized either through poverty, age, race or lack of knowledge, often suffer through illness and disease without the fullness of care that can be offered. World Day of the Sick is a day to raise our awareness of their plight and advocate for their well-being in a system of healthcare that is fair and equitable for all. It’s also a day to pray for those, who through their generous spirit of love, tend to these, the least of our brothers and sisters, through charitable networks of care that provide them healing and hope.
Those who suffer through sickness and infirmity are truly in need of our constant care and love. We know that the challenge of illness brings about not just physical suffering and discomfort, but often fills the person with fear, anxiety, uncertainty and thoughts of their own mortality. It raises many questions about their faith and the meaning of their suffering. For the sick, and so much more for those who are dying, these battles can intensify their suffering and lead them into despair. We, as Catholics who profess to follow Jesus, must support them through our presence, concern, and assistance in any and all ways possible. We must walk with them on our mutual path of charity, sharing with them our love and prayers, bringing them comfort and renewed hope through their suffering. World Day of the Sick is that time to bring ourselves closer to those who are in pain, and commit ourselves to share in their sufferings by our works of charity, which can bring peace and comfort in the most trying times.
These fears and uncertainties were so much amplified during the height of the pandemic and persist even now, when so many people spent, and continue to spend, their final days in complete isolation and separation from their loved ones. But it was and continues to be, the loving and compassionate healthcare workers – doctors, nurses, therapists, aides and staff along with our dedicated hospital chaplains – who brought them the comfort of loving companionship and the consolation of God’s mercy in the absence of family members. They were, and continue to be, the hands and heart of Jesus reaching out to receive their suffering, relieve their fears and strengthen their faith.
This year, World Day of the Sick will be celebrated in our local hospitals by our VITALity priest chaplains and associate chaplains through prayer services and special blessings for doctors, nurses, and all healthcare workers. They will prayerfully honor and thank them for their generous dedication in service to the sick. Our chaplains will also mark this day, as they do every day, by being present to and praying with those who are sick and occupy hospital beds, and offering the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, hope and grace that this beautiful sacrament brings.
Many seniors in our Parish Senior Social Day Centers have lovingly written letters and sent cards to area hospitals thanking those dedicated workers who have devoted their lives in the service of caring for others and encouraging them to continue their heroic efforts on behalf of those placed in their care.
All of us at VITALity are prayerfully celebrating this World Day of the Sick on behalf of the infirm elderly and those with disabilities who we have cared for since the beginning of our ministry more than six years ago. It is our hope that through our work in bringing adequate resources to those in need, along with the efforts of loving family members and friends, that those we serve may always maintain their human dignity throughout their struggles with age, infirmity or illness, and that they can and will experience the reality of the love of God through this ministry of caring.
May this year’s World Day of the Sick be especially noted by all the Catholic faithful. Let us invoke the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes for all those who are sick and suffering. May her prayers to her son, Jesus, bring them comfort, healing and hope. And may she share her blessings and grace with all healthcare workers and institutions of healing to be the human source of compassion and love that allow the sick to feel the presence of God as he accompanies them through their suffering.
Deacon Jerry Jablonowski serves as the executive director of VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services, Diocese of Camden, and is diocesan head of the secretariat for Health and Well-Being. He is assigned to Saint Clare of Assisi Parish in Swedesboro/Gibbstown.
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