Only one is your teacher and all of you are brothers (Mt 23,8). The relationship of trust, the foundation of patient care.
With this phrase the Holy Father Francis begins his message on the occasion of the XXIX World Day of the Sick, which as usual is celebrated on February 11, the liturgical memory of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lourdes.
From Sisters Hospitallers, as every year, we join this celebration since we have worked for more than 139 years in the reception, specialized care, integral assistance and social reintegration of people with mental illness, functional diversity and other diseases.
The message of Pope Francis highlights the importance of this moment to provide special attention to sick people and those who care for them, both in the places where they are assisted and within families and communities. In particular, he points out, to the people who suffer the coronavirus pandemic around the world, as well as to the poorest and most marginalized.
«Disease always has a face, even more than one: it has the face of every sick person, also of those who feel ignored, excluded, victims of social injustices who deny their fundamental rights (cf. Enc. Letter Fratelli tutti, 22 ). The current pandemic has brought to light numerous shortcomings in health systems and deficiencies in the care of sick people. The elderly, the weakest and most vulnerable are not always guaranteed access to treatment, and it is not always equitable. This depends on political decisions, the way resources are managed and the commitment of those in positions of responsibility. Investing resources in the care and attention of sick people is a priority linked to a principle: health is a primary common good (…) »
Hospitality with the sick
The celebration of the World Day of the Sick, not only has to lead us to pray for all these sick people and their families who are suffering, but it should move us to HOSPITALITY; to take care of them, take care of them, relieve them and make them feel better within the terrible disease they may suffer.
