Each year on February 11 World Day of the Sick is celebrated. This day was established by Pope John Paul II, as a way for followers to pray fervently for all those struggling from illnesses.
It is a real potential for all those who work in Christian ministry of health to perceive trying to think about someone who is ill and those who provide treatment to them. The commemoration of Our Lady of Lourdes falls on this day.
World Day of the Sick 2024 Date
| Event | World Day of the Sick |
| Date | 11th February 2024 |
| Day | Sunday |
| Theme | “Healing the Sick by Healing Relationships“ |
World Day of the Sick History
Pope John Paul II was stricken with Alzheimer’s disease in 1991, an illness that was only recently discovered, and he chose to establish the World Day of the Sick only a year after his diagnosis. Since paul proved in his apostolic letter Salvifici Doloris, the pope had written extensively on the issue of anguish and thought that it was notably sacramentals and healing through Christ.
Since many founders and visitors to Lourdes, France, have indeed been credited for to already be resurrected at the Marian Sanctuary there by the intercession of the Blessed Virgin, he chose the anniversary of Our Lady of Lourdes as the day of the acknowledgement. In particular, the Pope praised the Harissa sanctuary in Lebanon.
In 1992, Pope John Paul II established this special day to encourage people to pray for those who are suffering from the disease’s consequences as well as their caretakers. The Pope had been identified with Parkinson’s disease a year before, in 1991, and it is thought that his illness prompted his selection of the day.
On February 11, 1993, the inaugural World Day of the Sick was observed. Our Lady of Lourdes, a term referring to the Virgin Mary in commemoration of the visions claimed to be sighted all across Lourdes, France, by a little girl named Bernadette Soubirous, is also celebrated on February 11. Bernadette was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church a few decades later.
World Day of the Sick Significance
An added significance was there of the World Day of the Sick in 2005 since the weak Pope died on April 2 of that year. As he lay dying, a large crowd gathered in Rome’s St. Dwindle’s Square to pray to God for him.
On this day in 2013, Pope Benedict XVI declared that he’s leaving, citing the reason as his degrading health as the cause for his departure.
World Day of the Sick 2024 Theme
World Day of the Sick 2024 theme is “Healing the Sick by Healing Relationships“
Last year, the theme of world day of the sick was “Illness is part of our human condition. Yet, if illness is experienced in isolation and abandonment, unaccompanied by care and compassion, it can become inhumane.”
The theme of World Day of the Sick 2022 was “Be merciful, as your Father is merciful”.
“Come to me, all you who labour and are oppressed and I will give you rest,” Jesus said on World Day of the Sick in 2021. (Mt 11:28). The concept refers to a spiritual path of beauty that is revealed to the simplest and empowers those who might be exhausted and weary.
On this day, people all around the world make a special effort to pray to God for the sick and for those who work to alleviate their suffering. Faith groups commemorate this day by providing drugs, food, and religious counselling to the ill.
World Day of the Sick 2024 Wishes
- “All who provide for the ill and give of themselves with charity and simple compassion, such as St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, are among the Church’s most beloved.”
- “The World Day of the Ill is a chance for those who work in Catholic health ministry to reflect on how they care for the sick and those who care for them. Happy World Sickness Day!”
- “Happy World Ill Day! Looking for the health needs competence, kindness, and small acts freely provided, such as an embrace that makes people feel loved.” On this World Day of the Sick, take care of those who are sick and assist them.”
- “Look with abundant mercy on all who suffer in body, mind or spirit. Help them and take care of them on this World Day of the Sick.”
- “Grant healing and hope to the sick, the wounded and the dying in their darkest hours, so they may witness the power of your healing presence in the world.” Happy World Day of the Sick.”
Frequently Asked Questions
11th February 2024.
The day was instituted on 13 May 1992.
The day was instituted by Pope John Paul II.
