In 1991 Pope St. John Paul II declared Feb. 11, the date the Church commemorates Our Lady of Lourdes, as the first World Day of the Sick, to call to mind and prayer our suffering brothers and sisters who are ill and their caregivers. The theme of this year’s observance is “You have but one teacher and you are all brothers” (Mt 23:8), which calls for “a trust-based relationship to guide care for the sick.” During this current pandemic, which has ravaged our nation and world and taken untold precious lives, the sick are foremost on our minds.

Despite the selfless and constant efforts of our devoted health care workers, the pandemic also has exposed inequalities in our health care system, especially for our elderly, the poor, the weak and our vulnerable neighbors, which must be addressed.

In addition to that of health care professionals, we are inspired by the witness and dedication of hospital chaplains, priests, extraordinary ministers of holy communion, and men and women religious, all of whom work generously to bring the sick Our Lord in the Eucharist and in prayerful support. “Such closeness,” Pope Francis tells us, “is a precious balm that provides support and consolation to the sick in their suffering.”

As Christians, today and always, may we embrace a closeness with Our Lord’s beloved sick, a closeness that is both spiritual and, when possible, physical, as a sign of Christ’s love and mercy. May God grant them and those who serve them his eternal friendship, healing, comfort and peace.