About World Day of the Sick
World Day of the Sick is a special day observed by many countries worldwide on February 11 since 1993. It was initiated by Pope John Paul II on May 13, 1992 as a way for encouraging the public to offer prayers to people who are suffering from illnesses as well as for the person who care for them. Pope John Paul II who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991 consider his own illness was the main motivation for him to establish this special day.
World Day of the Sick was first observed on February 11, 1993 and also coincides with the Catholic Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. This same date was chosen because there are many pilgrims to Lourdes, France have claimed that to be healed by mediations of the Blessed Virgin. World Day of the Sick has been celebrated annually since then.
Besides Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI also decided to resign his reign as the Pope on World Day of the Sick in 2013 due to his failing health as his main reason. We can also read through books written by the Pope related to the topic of suffering for example from his apostolic letter known as Salvifici Doloris.
World Day of the Sick Activities
People in some countries commemorate the World Day of the Sick by taking some time to pray for all people, who are sick as well as to those people or health professionals that work very hard to lighten the pain of patients.
Activities are organized by faith organizations during World Day of the Sick simply by preparing medicines, food, and spiritual guidance to be enjoyed by the sick. Global participations that we can see participating in observing this special moment include from healthcare institutions worldwide that organize awareness especially among the public to have better knowledge and information related to general diseases and at the same time able to learn more about healthy lifestyle.
World Day of the Sick Flowers
Flowers can make a lot of difference to all those people, who are suffering from illness. Flowers can cheer anyone, who is sick. This is one of the ways for us to make them always remember that there are people, who care for them. And a flower bouquet is a great way to do that.
Celebrate World Day of the Sick with friends, family members or your local community together with patients in hospitals, old folk homes or any health-care organization that cares for sick people. By joining in these activities and celebrating together, you are definitely showing your support that will go a long way in making all the sick people feel happy and positive towards their life.