SAN DIEGO — The Catholic Church sets aside Feb. 11 to pray for those who are sick, their caregivers, and healthcare workers.
Locally, the Order of Malta and the diocesan Office for Life, Peace and Justice invited the community to celebrate the World Day of the Sick Mass on Feb. 8.
Auxiliary Bishop Michael Pham celebrated the Mass at Good Shepherd Church. The multilingual liturgy included the anointing of the sick and a blessing of those who take care of them.
In a statement, Pope Francis said that this year’s World Day of the Sick would occur in the Jubilee Year 2025, and he invited all faithful to become “pilgrims of hope.”
“Dear brothers and sisters who are ill or who care for the suffering, in this Jubilee you play an especially important part. Your journey together is a sign for everyone: ‘a hymn to human dignity, a song of hope’” (“Spes Non Confundit,” 11). The whole Church thanks you for this, as do I!”
