Let Us Observe the 33rd World Day of the Sick and the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes
On February 11, 2025 we observe the 33rd World Day of the Sick, a day dedicated to praying for the sick and suffering. Instituted by Pope John Paul II, this day reminds Catholics to support those in illness, including sickness of the mind or spirit, offering solidarity and compassion.
It coincides with the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes, a feast that celebrates the healing powers of the waters at Lourdes, where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette. For Catholics, this day calls for reflection on Mary’s intercessory role in bringing comfort to the suffering. As Catholics, we reframe suffering of body and mind in a powerful way. We acknowledge that physical and emotional pain is a universal part of human experience. Suffering provides an opportunity for spiritual growth, healing, and a deeper union with God. We believe that suffering, as seen in Christ's passion, holds redemptive power. When we offer our pain to God through prayer and devotion, we grow closer to Him. Spending quiet time with the Lord, especially during difficult moments, allows us to unburden ourselves and experience God’s comfort and peace. In this stillness, we encounter the healing power of His love and gain the strength to endure.
The Vigil to Dry the Tears is a call to spend quiet, prayerful time with God in our pain, trusting that suffering, when met with faith, leads to spiritual growth. Through the World Day of the Sick and the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes, Catholics are reminded that healing is not just physical but spiritual, and in God’s presence, even our deepest wounds can be healed. Let us take a moment on February 11 to reflect on this.
At St. Margaret Mary, we are committed to making resources available to those who are suffering from illnesses that affect their wellness. If you or a family member are experiencing suffering, the Mental Health Committee at SMM wants you to know that you are not alone. We stand in solidarity with you and can offer not only our prayers, but our resources. All things are possible with the grace of God; however, we also need to be able to discern when it is appropriate to reach out for help from a counselor, priest, ministry, retreat, or treatment center.
For more information, please explore our website and contact the Family Life Office at [email protected] with specific requests.
Peace be with you and your families today and always.
Holly Golden, MA, LMFT, LMHC
