Every February, we commemorate World Day of Prayer for the Sick to devote special attention to those who are ill, but it is also a celebration of God’s mercy, especially through the work of those in the healthcare field.
In 1992, then Pope John Paul II designation this coming Sunday as that special day of prayer and sharing, of offering one suffering for the good of the Church and of reminding us to see in our sick brothers and sisters the face of Christ who, by suffering, dying, and rising, achieved the salvation of humankind. So during this month, remember in your prayers all who work in the healthcare field. Pray that they remain dedicated to their work for caring for the sick and comforting those who are dying.
On Sunday, February 26th starting at 4:00 P.M., we will pray, in word and song, Vespers (Evening Prayer of the Church) for all who are sick. Then we will offer to those present the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. When the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given, the hopedfor effect is that, if it be God’s will, the person be physically healed of illness. But even if there is no physical healing, the primary effect of the Sacrament is a spiritual healing by which the sick person receives the Holy Spirit’s gift of peace and courage to deal with the difficulties that accompany serious illness or the frailty of old age.
Let us pray for all who are sick that they be comforted.