Catholics are being urged to reflect during this year’s World Day of the Sick on the “grace-filled encounters” which can emerge at times of adversity.
In a joint media release, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and Catholic Health Australia recalled the message of Pope Francis to mark the 33rd World Day of the Sick on 11 February, in which he reflected on this year’s theme “Hope does not disappoint,” from St Paul’s letter to the Romans.
The pope urged Christians to rely on God’s help and be “angels of hope” and messengers of God for one another in times of suffering from illness.
Archbishop Julian Porteous, the Bishop Delegate for Health for the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, said hope lay at the heart of Catholic healthcare services.
“As we celebrate the World Day of the Sick in this Jubilee year—which has the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’—we reflect on the hope that strengthens us in times of sickness,” Archbishop Porteous said.
Catholic Health Australia CEO Jason Kara said World Day of the Sick provides “much-needed focus on the needs and experiences of those who are suffering and acknowledges the hope and healing that is fostered by Catholic providers, even in the darkest, or most unlikely of places.”
“Our staff and clinicians who work across our 80 hospitals, 350 aged care facilities, and throughout the community give of themselves every day to provide hope and comfort to those who we serve,” he said.
“The pope’s message highlights the importance of the healing ministry, especially in the ‘dark night of adversity’ which we all face at different times of our lives.
“The legacy of our ministry and the people who have contributed to it across more than 186 years continues to guide us to the most difficult of spaces, where we are called to serve, accompany, and provide care.”