Friday, February 12, 2010

Pope Marks World Day of the Sick at Mass, Calls on Church to Increase Its Presence in Society

The pastoral care of the sick and infirm is a priceless gift the church offers to those who suffer, to their families, and to the world, Pope Benedict XVI said yesterday, according to the Catholic News website.

Accepting and offering up one's suffering along with sincerely and selflessly participating in the suffering of others are all "miracles of love" -- signs of God's love operating within the church, "performing great things through humble and simple people," the pope said February 11, 2010, as he marked World Day of the Sick on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Meeting and blessing sick people and their caregivers during a Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, the pope said another miracle at work was the presence of God's grace in the many people who care for those who suffer.

The pope added that the church must increase its presence among the sick and in society, so it can better help defend human life from conception to its natural end.

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