Under the biblical quote from Genesis: “It is not convenient for man to be alone,” Pope Francis presented the message for the World Day of the Sick, which will be celebrated next February 11. The World Day of the Sick was instituted in 1992 by Saint John Paul II, who established that it be celebrated every February 11, in the liturgical memory of the Virgin of Lourdes.
In the writing he remembers the importance of supporting and caring for the sick, taking care of relationships. “It is not fitting for man to be alone” (Gen 2:18). We were created to be together, not alone. And it is precisely because this project of communion is inscribed in the deepest part of the human heart that the experience of abandonment and loneliness frightens us, is painful and even inhuman. And it is even more so in times of fragility, uncertainty and insecurity, often caused by the appearance of a serious illness.
In communion with the Holy Father, the Diocese of Valledupar, through the Diocesan Delegation of Health Pastoral Care, celebrates this February 11 the World Day of the Sick with Eucharists and anointing of the sick in clinics and hospitals and parishes of the Diocese , in liturgical memory of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lourdes, patron saint of the sick.
Due to logistics and space, it was established that the day in Clinics and Hospitals will be on February 9 and 10. Priest Eráclito Chaparro Chaparro, Diocesan delegate of Health Pastoral explained that “during these two days there will be a deployment of priests from our Diocese to the different clinics and hospital centers of Valledupar for the Eucharists, anointing and much prayer for spiritual healing and corporal care of the sick, and entrusting them to the Virgin of Lourdes. And on Sunday, February 11, the event will take place in the parishes of the Diocese of Valledupar. High Mass, Our Lady of Lourdes parish 5:00 pm. Monsignor Oscar José Vélez Isaza presides.”