The first World Day of Prayer for the Sick was initiated in 1992 by Pope John Paul 2 to encourage people to pray for those who suffer illness and for their caregivers. (The Pope himself had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s a year before and some considered that his own illness may have been an impetus for his designation of this day).
The theme of this year’s World Day of the Sick is provided by the words Jesus spoke from the cross to Mary, his mother, and to John:
“Woman, behold your son… Behold your mother. And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.” (Jn 19:26-27)
On this day Brigidine Sisters hold in prayer all who suffer pain and sickness or who are terminally ill. We give thanks for the example of a number of our Sisters who daily live with failing health while maintaining hope and a spirit of compassion for others.
On this day we pray also for all caregivers – those nurses, doctors, specialists, volunteers, emergency personnel, family members and friends who exercise a ministry of care for others.
To read Pope Francis words for the 2018 World Day of Prayer click on the following link:
https://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/sick/papa-Francesco
