Who of us likes to be sick? No one, right? Nonetheless, winter seems to be a time when many of us spend days not feeling too well. St. Anne’s, in fact, has had a number of residents in this condition recently, whether it be a cold or serious cardiovascular condition.
Today was declared ‘World Day for the Sick’ by St. John Paul II in the early 1990s. This was over a hundred years after miraculous events in Lourdes, France, where many people travel, to this day, hoping for healing at the sight where Mary appeared to St. Bernadette. February 11 is, in fact, the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes.
February is also International Friendship Month. With these two observances in mind, might we take a look at our own interactions with those we know who are sick? What might we do for them? Today can be a call to us to truly be friends to the sick.
During Bible Study last week, we made valentines for the skilled nursing residents at St. Gerard’s in Hankinson. Today, as we also mark ‘Shut-in Visitation Day,’ might also be a time to consider stopping in to see someone who is unable to get out much because of sickness or ill-health.
We don’t have to limit the word sick only to those with intensive physical symptoms. There are many others, including here at St. Anne’s, who could use our special friendship and concern.