World Day of the Sick Set to be Marked
World Day of the Sick, initiated by Saint John Paul II in 1992, to take place tomorrow. Healthcare continues to be central part of OLA mission.
Sr. Kate Costigan returning from a rural clinic in Bugisi, Tanzania.
The twenty-fifth World Day of the Sick will be marked on Saturday, 11th February. In a message ahead of the event, Pope Francis remarked that the Day ‘is an opportunity to reflect in particular on the needs of the sick and, more generally, of all those who suffer.’
In his message, the Pontiff also makes reference to the work of the Religious among others who strive to reach out to the sick and those in need:
“On this Twenty-fifth World Day of the Sick, I once more offer my prayerful support and encouragement to physicians, nurses, volunteers and all those consecrated men and women committed to serving the sick and those in need. I also embrace the ecclesial and civil institutions working to this end, and the families who take loving care of their sick.”
Providing quality healthcare continues to be a central part of the OLA mission. A special focus is placed on providing dispensaries, clinics and hospitals in areas where services are not yet adequate, while mobile clinics enable the Sisters to reach other to remote districts where no services exist.
The Sisters are also responding to those with HIV Aids, providing comfort and hope for many thousands. One example of this is evident in Tanzania where a new 'Test and Treat' project aims to care for up to 20,000 men, women and children.
In Ireland, many hundreds of thousands of people continue to support health care projects in mission areas across the world, making lasting differences to the lives of many. One example of this generosity was recently witnessed at Bepoase Clinic in rural Ghana. Last December, the OLA-run facility received a much needed ultra sound machine, thanks to those who support the OLA St. Anthony Mission Boxes. The clinic, located over two hundred miles north of Accra, can now provide patients with speedier diagnostics which ensures prompt treatment for ailments.
An image of Bepoase Clinic, Ghana. Sr. Faustina Anakwa (pictured on the right) is a nurse and administrator of the facility.
The prayer below was taken from Pope Francis' message for the World Day of the Sick:
"Mary, our Mother,
in Christ you welcome each of us as a son or daughter.
Sustain the trusting expectation of our hearts,
succour us in our infirmities and sufferings,
and guide us to Christ, your Son and our brother.
Help us to entrust ourselves to the Father who accomplishes great things."
Click here to read about the 'Test and Treat' project in Tanzania.
Click here to read about supporting Bepoase Clinic in Ghana.
Pope Francis' full message for World Day of the Sick can be read here.
Click here to find our more about our healthcare mission.
