Dear Brothers and Sisters,
1. On 11 February, the liturgical memorial of
Our Lady of Lourdes, the World
Day of the Sick will be observed. It is an important occasion, that helps
the ecclesial communities to keep alive their concern for their sick and
suffering brothers and sisters, and encourages health care workers to perform
their professional service with unfailing dedication.
The fact that this observance coincides with
the date of the apparition of Our Lady at Lourdes
makes that place consecrated by the presence of Mary, the constant reference point for the Day of the Sick. From the
grotto of Massabielle, Mary does not fail to direct
to the world of the suffering a consoling message of confidence and hope.
2. As is well known, the main celebrations of
the Day will take place in the majestic National Shrine of the Immaculate
Conception in Washington, capital of the United States of America. I express
heartfelt gratitude to those who have organized the different events of this
important ecclesial realization.
I express my appreciation to the doctors and nurses, social assistants, volunteers, priests, men and women religious
who work in the vast field of assistance to the sick. May the Day of the
Sick renew in each one the desire to serve with dedication those who suffer,
imitating Jesus, the Good Samaritan of humanity.
3. At this time of international concern, we
all feel the need to turn to the Lord to
implore the great gift of peace. As I pointed out in the Apostolic Letter, On the Most Holy Rosary, "the grave
challenges confronting the world at the start of this new millennium lead us to
think that only an intervention from on high ... can give reason to hope for a
brighter future" (n. 40). Many prayer initiatives are taking place these
days all over the world. While I endorse them wholeheartedly, I invite all to
take up the Rosary to ask the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary:
"One cannot recite the Rosary without feeling caught up in a clear
commitment to advancing peace" (same
place, n. 6).