Pope Benedict XVI’s Message for the World Day of the Sick

(December 18, 2010) Pope Benedict XVI called on the sick and the suffering to look with hope to overcome the evil that affects humanity. He added that the Lord by his rising has not taken away suffering and evil from the world but has conquered them at the root and he has done this with his all powerful love. The Pope said this in his Message for the World Day of the Sick released at the Vatican on Saturday. The World Day of the Sick was instituted on May 13, 1992 by Pope John Paul II and is celebrated every year on the commemoration of Our Lady of Lourdes, a day kept aside for special time of prayer and sharing, of offering one's suffering. The Pope called all to contemplate and reflect on St. Peter's words: "By his wounds you were healed", which tell us how the Son of God suffered, died, but rose again, and that those wounds become the sign of our redemption, forgiveness and reconciliation with the Father. Referring to the World Youth Day to be held in August 2011, the Pontiff said that he has a special greeting for young people, especially those who live the experience of illness. The Pope called on the young people to see and to meet Jesus in the Eucharist, who is present in a real way for us to give us our food for the journey, but we must learn to recognize and serve him in the poor and the sick, our suffering brothers and sisters and all persons in trouble, who need our help. At the end of his message Pope Benedict expressed his affection to all those suffering and hoped that they will live daily in union with Christ crucified and risen, because he gives us peace and healing of the heart. He called on every one to look towards the Virgin Mary with confidence as we invoke her for she is the Health of the sick and Comforter of the suffering.