World Day of the Sick 2019: An Opportunity to Show God’s Compassionate Love
The Order of Malta Philippines commemorated the 27th World Day of the Sick with a Mass and Anointing of the Sick at the Manila Cathedral last February 11, 2019.
A total of 1,006 persons with infirmities and disabilities attended the Mass. They were brought to the venue by different parishes as well as NGOs, religious orders and organizations, and charity hospitals. Assisted by members of the Order, each patient received the grace of Christ’s healing through the laying of hands and anointment with oil.
In his homily, His Excellency Most Rev. Broderick S. Pabillo, DD, Auxiliary Bishop of Manila proclaimed to the attendees of the Mass, that as with the other sacraments, the Anointing of the Sick allows the Church to continue the work of Christ.
The Bishop also reminded the patients who were set to receive the Anointing to ask forgiveness as our illnesses are often manifestations of the troubles afflicting our soul.
“God heals us not only by curing our ailments, but ultimately by forgiving our sins. Receive him with faith and repentance for you are receiving also your redemption,” said Bishop Pabillo.
After the Mass, food was provided for all patients, volunteers, partners and other mass attendees. The meals were shouldered by the Order of Malta Philippines through the help of Amb. Leonida Vera.
It was Saint Pope John Paul II who designated February 11 of every year as a special time of prayer and sharing, of offering one’s suffering for the good of the Church and of reminding us to see in our sick brother and sister the face of Christ who, by suffering, dying and rising, achieved the salvation of humankind. The late Pontiff chose February 11 in honor of the first apparition of the Blessed Virgin at Lourdes, France. Many of the devotees and pilgrims of Lourdes profess to have been healed through the intercession of the Our Lady of Lourdes.
Even before the declaration of Saint Pope John Paul II, the Order of Malta Philippines used to hold an annual Mass for the Sick held at different parishes in Metro Manila. These special Masses and acts of service to the sick are in line with the Order’s mission of “Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum” which means nurturing, witnessing and protecting the faith (tuitio fidei) and serving the poor and the sick (obsequium pauperum).
