VATICAN: Closeness a Precious Balm that Provides Support and Consolation, Says Pope Francis Ahead of World Day for the Sick
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
Prior to the 29th World Day of the Sick commemorated annually on February 11, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, Pope Francis has asked for fraternal solidarity with those afflicted with illnesses and also caregivers.
“If a therapy is to be effective, it must have a relational aspect for this enables a holistic approach to the patient. Emphasizing this aspect can help doctors, nurses, professionals and volunteers to feel responsible for accompanying patients on a path of healing grounded in a trusting interpersonal relationship,” reads an excerpt of the Pope’s message released on Tuesday, January 12.
The Pontiff adds that fraternal relationship creates a bond between those in need of care and the caregivers which leads to “a covenant based on mutual trust and respect, openness and availability.”
This year’s theme for World Day of the Sick is “You have but one teacher and you are all brothers” and is taken from the Gospel according to Mathew where Jesus criticizes those who fail to practice what they preach.
“Jesus’ criticism of those who “preach but do not practice” is helpful always and everywhere,” the Pope notes adding that “none of us is immune to the grave evil of hypocrisy, which prevents us from flourishing as children of the one Father.”
He adds, “Before the needs of our brothers and sisters, Jesus asks us to respond in a way completely contrary to such hypocrisy” but rather “to stop and listen, to establish a direct and personal relationship with others, to feel empathy and compassion, and to let their suffering become our own as we seek to serve them.”
The World Day for the Sick was instituted by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1992 as a way for believers to offer prayers for those suffering from illnesses and an opportunity to devote special attention to the sick and to those who provide them with assistance and care both in healthcare institutions and within families and communities.
In his message for the occasion this year, the Pope reflects on the impact of the current global Covid19 pandemic which has revealed inefficiencies in caring for the sick.
“The current pandemic has exacerbated inequalities in our healthcare systems and exposed inefficiencies in the care of the sick,” the Pontiff has observed.
He narrated further, “Investing resources in the care and assistance of the sick is a priority linked to the fundamental principle that health is a primary common good.”
Pope Francis also acknowledged the commitment of caregivers during the pandemic.
“The pandemic has highlighted the dedication and generosity of healthcare personnel, volunteers, support staff, priests, men and women Religious, all of whom have helped, treated, comforted and served so many of the sick and their families with professionalism, self-giving, responsibility and love of neighbour,” the message reads and continues, “A silent multitude of men and women, chose not to look the other way but to share the suffering of patients, whom they saw as neighbours and members of our one human family.”
The Pontiff underscored that closeness is a precious balm that provides support and consolation to the sick in their suffering, noting that, “fraternal love in Christ generates a community of healing, a community that leaves no one behind, a community that is inclusive and welcoming, especially to those most in need.”
