Praying for Those Who are Ill on World Day of the Sick 2022

World Day of the Sick is a Catholic Church awareness day on February 11 aimed at praying and sharing, sacrificing one’s suffering for the welfare of the Church, and urging everyone to see the face of Christ in his or her ailing brother or sister. The day falls on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. The theme for this 30th year of the celebration of this day is “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.”

Here are some of Pope Francis’ words regarding this day:

“Dear brothers and sisters, to the intercession of Mary, Health of the Infirm, I entrust all the sick and their families. United with Christ, who bears the pain of the world, may they find meaning, consolation and trust. I pray for healthcare workers everywhere, that, rich in mercy, they may offer patients, together with suitable care, their fraternal closeness.”

Here’s a prayer for those who are sick:

God of hope and healing,

Be with those whose bodies burn with fever, rage with pain, struggle for breath, cry out for limbs that used to be, or crave addictive substances. Be with those whose minds and emotions face the wait of a diagnosis, wrestle with the choices for treatment, adapt to a life altered by chronic illness, recover from abuse, or push against the encroaching clouds of dementia.

Be with those whose spirits are exhausted by the quest for health, doubt the existence of love, question the fairness of life, or stare into the face of death. Cool the fever, bring balm to the pain, ease the fight for air, adapt the body for new ways to move, and calm the cravings. Ease anxiety and fear. Build trust in Your everlasting love and care. God of all, hear our prayer. Amen.