"It is not good that man should be alone” [cf Gen 2:18 ]

World Day of the Sick, held each year on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes (11 February) was introduced by Pope John Paul II to offer prayers for those suffering from illnesses. The day also provides an important opportunity for us to reflect on the way we care about those who are sick and to give thanks to health workers care givers. In his Message for the World Day of the Sick, Pope Francis draws wisdom from the Old Testament Book of Genesis, focusing on our human need for relationships, especially when illness leads to isolation, and then vulnerability and insecurity.

In his Message Pope Francis focuses on our human need for relationships, especially when illness leads to isolation, and then vulnerability and insecurity. "The first form of care needed in any illness is compassionate and loving closeness," writes Pope Francis.

 “The first form of care needed in any illness is compassionate and loving closeness,” Pope Francis said in his statement.

“To care for the sick thus means above all to care for their relationships, all of them: with God, with others – family members, friends, healthcare workers – with creation and with themselves.

“Can this be done? Yes, it can be done and all of us are called to ensure that it happens. Let us look to the icon of the Good Samaritan, to his ability to slow down and draw near to another person, to the tender love with which he cares for the wounds of a suffering brother.”

Pope Francis lamented the “throwaway culture” guiding certain political decisions “that are not focused on the dignity of the human person and his or her needs, and do not always promote the strategies and resources needed to ensure that every human being enjoys the fundamental right to health and access to health care”.

The Catholic Church’s World Day of the Sick, established by St John Paul II, is held each year on February 11, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. It is an opportunity to devote special attention to the sick and to those who provide them with assistance and care, both in health care institutions and within families and communities.

Bishop Vincent Long, the Bishop Delegate for Health for the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, said compassion was at the heart of Catholic healthcare services.

“The Catholic Church seeks to reflect the compassion shown by Christ, the Divine Healer who inspires the service we provide through our hospitals, aged care and other services,” Bishop Long said.

“This is a day to honour those providing tenderness and compassion to people in their care, and pray for the sick, vulnerable and poor who are at the heart of the Church.”

Catholic Health Australia CEO Jason Kara said Pope Francis’ message urges the community to remember both the sick and the people who are caring for them.

“World Day of the Sick is an opportunity for us to reflect on the needs of those who turn to Catholic health and aged care services for their care and compassion,” Mr Kara said.

“Every day our staff and clinicians commit to our mission to help the poor, the sick and marginalised, building on the great legacy of the Sisters who were the first to care for the sick in our community.