On February 11 each year, Feast Day of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Catholic Church promotes compassion for sick people and recognition of their caregivers – health workers, pastoral carers, family members and all who tend to the needs of those who are unwell.

In his inaugural message for World Day of the Sick, now in its 34th year, Pope Leo chose as his theme “The compassion of the Samaritan: loving by bearing another’s pain”. He reminds us that caring for the sick “ is to love God through deeds”.

While drawing attention to the sick on this day, we know well that sickness and illness are not confined to one day on the calendar.

• Read the Message for World Day of the Sick 2026 here

Join us in keeping the sick, and all who care for the sick, in our thoughts and prayers.