World Day of the Sick: February 11, 2007

We are all terminally ill.

But there are among us who are suffering from the pains of near death.

For the fifteenth year, February 11 -- the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes -- has been designated by the Magisterium of the Catholic Church as a day to reflect on, and pray for those, who are in the final stages of life here on earth, and for those who care for them.

“The church turns her eyes to those who suffer and call attention to the incurably ill, many of whom are dying from terminal diseases,” he said. “They are found on every continent, particularly in places where poverty and hardship cause immense misery and grief.”

If you are suffering from the pains of terminal illness, the Holy Father asks that, amid your own sufferings, you reflect on the sufferings of the crucified Christ, place your trust in God's hands, and know that your pains, united to those of Jesus, will prove fruitful for the needs of His Church and His world.

If you know of those suffering from incurable illness -- and you do, of course -- please pray for them, for their caretakers, and for the grace to face the inevitable end of our own earthly journeys with courage and complete trust in Jesus Christ.

Pray for the grace to emulate Jesus, Who, during His final hours on earth, frankly admitted His agony to our Father, and yet submitted obediently to His Will.

Pray with me now:

Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed by Thy Name!
Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Mary, health of the sick, pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Saint Bernadette, pray for us.

Prayer. It's not just a pious thing to do...it's great for your health.

Thanks!