February 11 is designated in the international calendar as World Day of the Sick. This event is intended, rather, as a kind of social step aimed at supporting people who fall into the sad category of patients.
World Sick Day was established on May 13, 1992 on the initiative of the 264th Pope John Paul II. In his special message written on this occasion, the pontiff noted that the annual celebration of World Sick Day has a specific purpose.
The Pope defined this goal as follows: « to make employees of numerous medical Catholic organizations, believers, and the entire civil society feel the need to provide better care for the sick and infirm, and alleviate their suffering».
In 1991, John Paul II was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a disease that was discovered much later. It is noteworthy that the Pope established World Sick Day a year after the news of his diagnosis.
This Day was first celebrated on February 11, 1993. The date was chosen due to the fact that Catholics around the world have been celebrating Sick Day on February 11 since ancient times. It was on this day that the appearance of the Mother of God took place in the French town of Lourdes many centuries ago. The Holy Virgin, Our Lady of Lourdes, healed the suffering, thereby becoming a symbol of the savior of the sick.
Currently, in many countries around the world, various events and activities are held on this day dedicated to the topic of disease prevention, treatment and, of course, the topic of health and a healthy lifestyle.
Solemn masses are held in Catholic churches, and believers remember the suffering and sick, expressing sympathy and solidarity with them. Every year, a special message from the Pope is published for World Sick Day.
Postcard «February 11 — World Sick Day» Article «Sick: under the care of a doctor or under the hood of charlatans?»