From the Canadian Bishops
In 2018, the 26th World Day of the Sick will be celebrated as it is every year on 11 February, the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes. The Holy See has released the Holy Father’s Message which is entitled Mater Ecclesiae: “Behold, your son… Behold, your mother. And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.” (John 19:26-27). In his Message, Pope Francis recalls that “Health care ministry will always be a necessary and fundamental task, to be carried out with renewed enthusiasm by all, from parish communities to the most largest healthcare institutions. We cannot forget the tender love and perseverance of many families in caring for their chronically sick or severely disabled children, parents and relatives. The care given within families is an extraordinary witness of love for the human person; it needs to be fittingly acknowledged and supported by suitable policies. Doctors and nurses, priests, consecrated men and women, volunteers, families and all those who care for the sick, take part in this ecclesial mission.”
Message of the Holy Father
Catholic Health Alliance of Canada
See also the CARFLEO entry on the Sacrament of the Sick