Bishop Michael Router, Chair of the Council for Healthcare of the Irish Episcopal Conference, has welcomed Pope Francis’ message for the World Day of the Sick 2021 which takes place on 11 February, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. In connection with this upcoming feast, Bishop Router has encouraged the faithful to participate in the Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes from today up until 11 February. The World Day of the Sick is an initiative which was started by Saint John Paul II in 1992. It is a time to pause and be prayerfully in solidarity with those who are sick and with all who care for the sick.

Bishop Router said, “The past year has been an extraordinary one. As a deadly and disruptive virus circled the world, we became more acutely aware of the importance of healthcare provision and the contribution of those working on the frontline. Pope Francis, in his message, states that the World Day of the Sick provides an “opportunity to devote special attention to the sick and to those who provide them with assistance and care both in healthcare institutions and within families and communities”.

“Pope Francis entrusts the sick, healthcare workers, and all those who assist the suffering to the care of Our Lady. In the midst of the health crisis caused by Covid-19, I encourage all the faithful to take part in the Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes, from 3-11 February, to pray for those who are sick, for all who work in the medical profession, and for an end to the pandemic.”

The Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes for World Day of the Sick can be accessed here.

To read Bishop Router’s full statement click here.

ENDS