World Day of the Sick

Since 1992, the Catholic Church has celebrated World Day of the Sick on Feb. 11 — the day on which the church commemorates the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes — under the sponsorship of the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care. World Day of the Sick has three consistent themes. First, it reminds the faithful to pray intensely and sincerely for those who are sick. Second, the celebration invites Christians to reflect on and respond to human suffering. And third, this day recognizes and honors all persons who work in health care and serve as caregivers.

World Day of the Sick 2012 will be celebrated in Germany.

Review the English translation of the Pope Benedict's statement, now available on the Vatican website.

To help ministries participate in this important, annual event, here are resources that may help you with your planning for that day:

• Pope Benedict XVI's message for the 2012 World Day of the Sick.
• A prayer service created by CHA that may be used as a model to develop your own prayer event for Feb. 11.
• A video reflection created by CHA that may be used as part of your organization's observance of this day as well as for posting on your intranets and linked to electronic newsletters or messages about this day. The photographs included in the reflection are from CHA-member organizations across the country.
  > Download a .wmv of the video
  
• NACC Prayer cards
  The National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC) is offering prayer cards which may be purchased for use on Feb. 11, and will also be available throughout the year. The prayer cards may be ordered by going to the NACC website.