“It is not good that man should be alone”: Healing the Sick by Healing Relationships is the title of the Holy Father’s message released at the beginning of January for the upcoming 32nd World Day of the Sick. The Catholic Church celebrates World Day of the Sick every year on February 11.

In his message, Pope Francis reminds us of the importance of relationships, especially when facing illnesses: “Our lives, reflecting in the image of the Trinity are meant to attain fulfilment through a network of relationships, friendships and love, both given and received. We were created to be together, not alone.”

During old age and times of illness, however, many people are left feeling abandoned and isolated which is, Pope Francis attests, “a consequence of a culture of individualism.” The Holy Father urges us to be like the Good Samaritan in the parable, enabling instead “the growth of a culture of tenderness and compassion.”

The Holy Father also encourages the sick to “not be ashamed of your longing for closeness and tenderness!” and to use the time of illness “to step back from the hectic pace of our lives to rediscover ourselves.”

World Day of the Sick is an opportunity to remind ourselves to pray for and reach out to the sick, acting as witnesses to them of the tender love of Christ.  “The sick, the vulnerable and the poor are at the heart of the Church,” Pope Francis states, “they must also be at the heart of our human concern and pastoral attention.”

In preparation for World Day of the Sick, we have prepared a Pastoral Toolkit including a CCCB press release (29 January 2024), pastoral suggestions for parishes and families (including a homily suggestion, prayers of the faithful and prayers for bulletins, groups or families), a CCCB video and a prayer card for distribution, as well as resources from the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. 

We invite you to share these World Day of the Sick 2024 resources with your families and faith communities. Additional resources for World Day of the Sick 2024 will be made available in the coming weeks by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development at this link and on their social media pages. As well, we invite you to renew your commitment to pastoral attention for the sick and marginalized by promoting Horizons of Hope: A Toolkit for Catholic Parishes on Palliative Care in your faith communities.