WelCom February 2019:
Hospital Chaplain, Margaret Maurice visiting a hospital patient.
Parishes throughout New Zealand are being encouraged to mark the 2019 World Day of the Sick on 11 February through prayer, reflection, anointing of the sick and a pastoral response to acknowledge care givers.
St John Paul II instituted World Day of the Sick in 1992. Since then it has been celebrated all over the world on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes on February 11. The day of remembrance is also observed with a special celebration in a particular place, nominated by the Holy Father. This year it will be the city of Kolkata, India.
Hospital Chaplaincy leader, Tony Lenton, says that in his message for the 27th World Day of the Sick, Pope Francis has highlighted St Mother Teresa of Kolkata as a model of charity, demonstrating God’s love for the poor and sick through all she did. ‘Pope Francis says caring for the sick requires generosity, in freely giving our time, caring for and being tender in our approach with others.’
‘You received without payment; give without payment’ (Mt 10:8).