Pope’s missionary intention for February

(Feb. 01, 2012) Pope Benedict XVI’s missionary intention for the month of February is that “the Lord may sustain the efforts of health workers assisting the sick and elderly in the world’s poorest regions”.
Every year on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes - February 11th, the Catholic Church celebrates the World Day of the Sick. On this special day, we pray for our brothers and sisters, who are sick and suffering. Referring to the World Day of the Sick , Pope Benedict also requests everyone to join him in praying for - health workers, particularly those who look after the sick in the poorest regions of the world. The Pope says they are truly missionaries, for they offer the Gospel to the ailing and suffering people, not only in words but above all - by their loving actions of care and concern. The Pope notes that caring for the sick is extremely challenging, as the work is hard, especially without adequate medicine and equipment. The work is also dangerous, as health workers are continuously exposed to infectious diseases, which are so widespread in many poor areas of the world. and in some parts of the world, the only health care available is provided by the Catholic Church.
Let us therefore, join Pope Benedict in praying that God may strengthen health workers so they may continue to serve the poorest people throughout the world.