WORLD DAY OF THE SICK AND FEAST OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES
World Day of the Sick, established by Pope John Paul II in 1992, is a day dedicated to promoting acts of kindness and solidarity towards those who are suffering due to illness. It serves as a reminder of the importance of providing physical, emotional, and spiritual support to individuals facing health challenges, especially those who are vulnerable and marginalized. On February 11, 1993, the first World Day of the Sick was observed. Our Lady of Lourdes, a term referring to the Virgin Mary in honor of apparitions alleged to have been seen in and around Lourdes, France, by a little girl named Bernadette Soubirous, is also celebrated on February 11. Bernadette was recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church a few years later. Because numerous pilgrims and tourists to Lourdes, France, claimed to have been healed at the Marian Sanctuary through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin, he chose the commemoration of Our Lady of Lourdes as the day of the observance. Faith-based organizations commemorate this day by providing medicines, food, and spiritual guidance to the sick. A potential message for World Day of the Sick in 2025 is “healing through connection,” emphasizing the importance of fostering strong relationships with those who are sick, offering compassionate support, and ensuring that no one feels alone in their illness. On World Day of the Sick, let us join together in acknowledging the challenges faced by the sick and in expressing our commitment to providing them with the support, love, and care they deserve. God Bless!
Father Maria Joseph Kodiganti