The "day of prayer for the sick" was instituted 28 years' ago and is held every year on February 11. Like in the previous years, Pope Francis issued a message for the day:
and I will give you rest”
(Mt 11:28)
(Mt 11:28)
(click on the title to download it)
Among other things he says:
A key role in this effort to offer rest and renewal to our sick brothers and sisters is played by healthcare workers: physicians, nurses, medical and administrative professionals, assistants and volunteers. Thanks to their expertise, they can make patients feel the presence of Christ who consoles and cares for the sick, and heals every hurt. Yet they too are men and women with their own frailties and even illnesses. They show how true it is that “once Christ’s comfort and rest is received, we are called in turn to become rest and comfort for our brothers and sisters, with a docile and humble attitude in imitation of the Teacher”
Every year, around this day, the Catholic Nurses' Guild in our diocese chooses a parish where they offer their services to the community. I had never been able to be present because of other appointments on the same day.
I realised I could be free this year. On Saturday I spoke with Fr Mazibuko OSM (priest-in-charge) and told him I was planning to join him for Mass but he should not say anything to anyone (as usual). There was no need to announce "the bishop's visit". I just wanted to support our Catholic Nurses' Guild and thank them for the generous service in our diocese.
The day was not the best. It had been raining and the temperature had dropped. The road is not the best and the river always threatens to cover the small bridge but arriving at the Parish I found them already at work.
Doctors, nurses and other health carers at the service of the elderly, the children and all those who chose to take advantage of their visit.
After the homily by Fr Mazibuko OSM they were called to come forward so that we could pray for them and bless them. Health-carers need our prayers as much as the people they serve.
We then called those who graduated during 2019. Soon after Mass we had a quick session of photos and ... back to work as the people were waiting for them.
Grateful for their service. Much more when one remembers they are the service of the community all week and Sunday could be their day of rest but they traveled from all over the country (according to where they live) to celebrate the day of prayer for the sick.
