Today, in observance of the World Day of the Sick, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., celebrated a special Mass for patients and health care workers in Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County, Willingboro.

“I come here today to this house of healing as a human who suffered illness for several years. I come as a person of faith, but I am not alone in either of those roles,” Bishop O’Connell said during his homily. “There are many others who came before me and who will follow.

“I come to you today alone as the Bishop, as shepherd of the flock ... those who are well and ill; those who heal and who need healing; those who serve the sick; those who love the sick; and those who are sick and need your service and love.  We are one flock today on this World Day of the Sick, turning to the Lord and asking for the power of his mercy and healing and love for ourselves and for the benefit of others.”

The Church celebrates the World Day of the Sick each year on Feb. 11, the anniversary of the 1858 appearance of Our Lady to now-St. Bernadette Soubirous in a grotto near Lourdes, France. Pope John Paul II instituted the day in 1992.

The three-fold purpose of World Day of the Sick includes calling the Church to remember to care for those who are seriously ill so they will not be forgotten or alone in their suffering; serving as a platform to remind all believers that, through faith in Christ, all suffering has meaning and is redemptive, and, honoring all who care for the sick, especially medical and health care professionals. Learn more about World Day of the Sick, here.

Read Bishop O’Connell’s full homily, here.