World Day of the Sick

Today, 11 February (the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes), is the 27th World Day of the Sick. This annual observance invites Catholics and other Christians to pray for those who are sick, to reflect on and respond to human suffering, and to gratefully acknowledge and honor all persons who work in health care and serve as caregivers.

"'You received without payment; give without payment' (Mt 10:8). These are the words spoken by Jesus when sending forth his apostles to spread the Gospel, so that his Kingdom might grow through acts of gratuitous love."

In his annual message for this observance, Pope Francis reminds us that "generous gestures like that of the Good Samaritan are the most credible means of evangelization. Caring for the sick requires professionalism, tenderness, straightforward and simple gestures freely given, like a caress that makes others feel loved."

To access the Holy Father's complete message for this year's observance, please visit:

Message of the Holy Father for the Twenty-seventh World Day of the Sick (11 February 2019)

World Day of the Sick Prayer