Coadjutor Archbishop's Diary
February 2012
| 13-15 | Sibu Diocesan Silver Jubilee/Episcopal Silver Jubilee of Bishop Emeritus Su / Installation of Bishop Hii - Sibu |
World Day of Prayer for the Sick - The World Day of the Sick was instituted on 13 May 1992 by Pope John Paul II. Beginning on 11 February 1993, it is celebrated every year on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, to be "a special time of prayer and sharing, of offering one's suffering". Pope John Paul II had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease as early as 1991, an illness which was only disclosed later, and it is significant that he decided to create a World Day of the Sick only one year after his diagnosis. The Pope had written a great deal on the topic of suffering and believed that it was very much a salvific and redeeming process through Christ, as he indicated in his apostolic letter Salvifici Doloris dated 13 May 1992. Thus Pope John Paul II in his letter instituted `the World Day of the Sick' on 11 February, The feast of Our Lady of Lourdes was chosen because many pilgrims and visitors to Lourdes have reportedly been healed through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin. The pontiff was also fond of the sanctuary of Harissa in Lebanon. In 2005, the World Day of the Sick had a special significance since it was the year John Paul died from a sepsis. Many people had gathered around him as he lay dying. Since 1992, February 11, under the sponsorship of the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care, the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes, has been observed as the World Day of Prayer for the Sick. This is a good opportunity to give special attention to the needs and witness of the sick in our communities. The purpose of this day is to reminded ourselves to pray for the sick, reflect on the meaning of human suffering and honour those who serve as caregivers. On this day various programmes including reflections, prayer services, workshops for discussions to formulate action plans, visits to sick individuals, homes etc. are organised. -
| 13-15 | Sibu Diocesan Silver Jubilee/Episcopal Silver Jubilee of Bishop Emeritus Su / Installation of Bishop Hii - Sibu |