Prayers World Day of the Sick

2026 marks the 34th World Day of the Sick. This year's theme is: “The compassion of the Samaritan: loving by bearing the pain of the other”

February 11 is World Day of the Sick, an observation introduced by Pope John Paul II as a way for believers to offer prayers for those suffering from illnesses. The day coincides with the commemoration of Our Lady of Lourdes and is an important opportunity for those who serve in Catholic health ministry to reflect on caring for those who are sick as well as those who provide care to them.