The XXV World Day of the Sick will take place in Lourdes, France, on Saturday, February 11, 2017. For the occasion, Pope Francis has sent a letter to Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, papal legate to the celebration of the event.
In the letter, written in Latin, Francis greets the sick around the world and expresses the heart of closeness to those who are suffering. The Holy Father stresses that «it is good to take full care of the person,» referring to «the soul, mind and body.» He cites the Book of Wisdom, remember that God created everything for existence: «He did not make death, nor evil, and not delight in the destruction of the living.»
«God» – writes the Pope, quoting the Book of Sirach – «has given men the science so that they could boast about its wonders.» Hence, the Pontiff invites pastors, doctors and patients themselves, to pray the Lord to guide them to alleviate disease and heal.
The Holy Father, therefore, asks the faithful to invoke the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, for the health of the sick, to obtain from the Son «abundant graces: especially patience in tribulation, trust in God, gratitude for the benefits received and a great love towards all.»
Finally, Pope Francis encouraged all to imitate the faith of Peter who, even when he did not understand Jesus, stated: «Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.»
