On 13 May 1992, a number of years following an assassination attempt on his life that led to a time of suffering and the experience of being seriously ill in hospital, Saint Pope John Paul II launched a World Day of the Sick, which coincides each year in the Church across the world with the Feast Day of Our Lady of Lourdes on 11 February. Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis have continued this special World Day – an occasion during which the whole Church bears witness as always with special concern to the tender mercy and love of God towards all who suffer. It is a time to reflect on the needs of all who suffer, to pause and be prayerfully in solidarity with those who experience illness and with all who care for those who are facing sickness.
Pope Francis always encourages us to experience the merciful face of Jesus, showing his mercy and tenderness to those who live through sickness and suffering, respecting their own dignity and mission in life, as we serve life and health.
“The celebration of the 29th World Day of the Sick on 11 February 2021, the liturgical memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lourdes, is an opportunity to devote special attention to the sick and to those who provide them with assistance and care both in healthcare institutions and within families and communities. We think in particular of those who have suffered, and continue to suffer, the effects of the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. To all, and especially to the poor and the marginalized, I express my spiritual closeness and assure them of the Church’s loving concern”
Our Lady of Lourdes,
pray for us.
Mary, Mother of God,
full of mercy,
pray for us.
Blessed Joseph her Spouse,
pray for us
Archbishop Dermot Farrell will be celebrate Mass this evening (Thursday,11th February) at 7:30pm for the Feast of our Lady of Lourdes and World Day of the Sick. The Mass is being celebrated at the request of the Lourdes Pilgrimage Committee. Praying for the sick during this time of pandemic takes on a whole new meaning and relevance. In the Mass we will remember all the sick people of the diocese, especially those suffering from the virus. We will pray also for those who are on "the frontline" in various medical and other professions at this time. We will also sadly think of those who have died.
The ceremony will be broadcast live from the Church of the Sacred Heart, Yellow Walls Parish in Malahide. We invite you to join in the Mass through the webcam. The webcam can be accessed on the parish website – www.yellowwallsparish.ie