VATICAN - Benedict XVI's Message for the 17th World Day of the Sick: "our attention turns particularly to children, the most fragile and defenseless of all, especially sick and suffering children...A silent cry of pain is heard from all these children; it is a cry that reaches our conscience as persons and believers."
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – Within the mark of the Year of St. Paul, the Message of the Holy Father Benedict XVI for the 17th World Day of the Sick, February 11, 2009 (celebrated on a diocesan level), invites the faithful to meditate with the Apostle Paul on the fact that "for as Christ's sufferings overflow to us, so through Christ does our encouragement also overflow" (2 Cor 1:5) and on the "spiritual link to Lourdes."
"This year our attention turns particularly to children, the most fragile and defenseless of all, especially sick and suffering children," the Pope writes in his Message. "There are young human beings whose bodies bear the consequences of incapacitating illnesses, and others who struggle against sicknesses with cures yet unbeknown to medicine... There are children who have been injured in body and mind by wars, and other innocent victims of the mindless hatred of adults. There are street children who are denied the warmth of family life and left to themselves, and minors profaned by sordid individuals who wish to violate their innocence, inflicting psychological wounds which will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Nor must we forget the countless minors who die of thirst, hunger and lack of healthcare, and the young exiles who emigrate from their own land with their parents in search of better living conditions. All these children raise a silent cry of pain that appeals to our conscience as human beings and believers."
The Pope then observed that the Christian community "cannot remain indifferent in the face of such dramatic situations," expressing his hope that "the World Day of the Sick may give parish and diocesan communities the opportunity to become ever more aware of being the 'family of God', encouraging them to become a visible presence in their towns, neighborhoods, and cities of the Lord's love. From its early days, "the testimony of charity was a part of the life itself of every Christian community," and today, the Message continues, "given the conditions of health care, there is a need for closer collaboration between healthcare professionals in the various institutions and the ecclesial community present in the area. In this regard, an institution linked to the Holy See, the 'Bambino Gesu' Children's Hospital – which this year celebrates its 140th anniversary - is confirmed in its valuable contributions." The Pope then called for the need to help not only these sick children, but also "the families struck by the sickness of a son or daughter," offering them "the support of our real solidarity," creating "a climate of serenity and hope, and making them feel part of a larger family of brothers and sisters in Christ."
In his Message, Benedict XVI affirmed the "supreme dignity of each human life" and the teaching of the Church, who will always proclaim that "human life is beautiful and must be lived to the full even when it is weak and enveloped by the mystery of suffering. It is to Christ Crucified that we should direct our gaze: dying on the Cross, He has shared in the suffering of all humanity. In His suffering out of love, we can perceive the ultimate co-participation in the sufferings of sick children and their parents."
In the final part of the Message, the Pontiff expresses his ""appreciation and encouragement to the international and national organizations that care for sick children with generosity and self-sacrifice, especially in poor countries," asking the leaders of nations to "promote laws and procedures in favor of sick children and their families." He also expresses his spiritual closeness to all our brothers and sisters who suffer any kind of illness, and offers his affectionate greeting to all those who assist them. Lastly, he addresses sick children, saying: "My very special greetings to you dear children who are sick and suffering. The Pope embraces you, your parents and your families with paternal affection, and assures you of a special mention in his prayer, inviting you to trust in the maternal assistance of Mary Immaculate, whom this past Christmas we have once again contemplated, lovingly holding the Son of God become a child in her arms." (SL) (Agenzia Fides 9/2/2008)
Links:
Complete text of the Holy Father's Message, in Italian
http://www.fides.org/ita/magistero/bxvi/mess_gmmalato_2009.html
