Pope Benedict XVI’s Message for World Day of the Sick
(December 3, 2009) With the annual World Day of the Sick, the Church intends to bring to the ecclesial community the awareness about the importance of pastoral service of health care that is part and parcel of her mission, since it represents the continuation of the saving mission of Christ, said Pope Benedict XVI. In the mystery of passion, death and resurrection of Jesus, the human suffering draws meaning and fullness of light, he added. The Pope said this in his message for the 18th World Day of the Sick, celebrated on the 11th of February each year. The World Day of the Sick was instituted on May 13, 1992 by Pope John Paul II and is celebrated on the 11th of February, on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. This year it also coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers. The Pope then referred to the Washing of the Feet by Jesus in anticipation of the supreme act of love of the Cross and said that Christ has invited his disciples to enter into his same logic of love that gives themselves totally, especially to children and the needy. In this context the creation of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers, twenty-five years ago, is part of that ecclesial concern for the world of health. And the Pope added that at this moment in cultural history, there is even more the need for a careful and extensive presence of the Church to the sick, as well as a presence in the society to be able to transmit effectively the Gospel values. Referring to the Year for Priests the Holy Father said that Priests are the ministers of the sick, and a sign and instrument of Christ's compassion, which must reach everyone marked by suffering. He invited them to spare no effort to give care and comfort to the sick. Addressing directly to those sick, the Pope Benedict said: “dear sick people, I ask you to pray and offer up your sufferings for priests so that they can remain faithful to their vocation and their ministry be fruitful for the benefit of the whole Church.”
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