World Day of the Sick

Today, the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Church observes the 24th World Day of the Sick. The theme for this year is "Entrusting Oneself to the Merciful Jesus like Mary: 'Do whatever he tells you'" (John 2:5). World Day of the Sick is a time, in the words of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, to "to reflect upon the mystery of suffering and above all to make our communities and civil society more sensitive to our sick brothers and sisters."

To access Pope Francis’ message for this year's observance of World Day of the Sick, please visit:

Message of Pope Francis for the 24th World Day of the Sick 2016