Pope St. John Paul II established World Day of the Sick every February 11th to commemorate the apparitions of Mary at Lourdes, France. On this important day we acknowledge those in our society suffering from illness and not only pray for their healing and comfort, but also are inspired to take action to that each and every person receives healthcare as is their human right.

I. Opening Prayer
Almighty and ever-living God, eternal health of believers,
hear our prayers for your servants who are sick:
grant them, we implore you, your merciful help,
so that, with their health restored,
they may give you thanks in the midst of your Church.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen

(from the collect of prayers For Various Occasions, “For the Sick” ; Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010, ICEL. All rights reserved.)
 

II. Scripture Reading 
Mark 1:40-45

III. Catechesis Video Reflection Questions

Grades K-6

1. Did Jesus or the Good Samaritan ignore or avoid the people that were sick and hurt?
2. How did Jesus and the Good Samaritan respond when they came across people in need of healing?
3. Should we only be worried about our own health? Whether or not we are sick or hurt? Or are we supposed to care about others?
4. Who is our neighbor? How are we supposed to help them if they are sick or hurt?

Domestic Church

1. What are basic human rights? Why do they exist? Why do you think the Church includes healthcare as a human right?
2. Pope Francis speaks about the “centrality of the human person” when talking about research for rare diseases. How does such a stance on healthcare relate to being “pro-life?”
3. Pope Francis has said healthcare “is not a consumer good, but rather a universal right, and therefore access to healthcare services cannot be a privilege.” What are common factors/arguments that are often brought up with regards to healthcare in the United States that seem to keep healthcare a “privilege” “and consumer good” rather than a universal right?

IV. Witness Video Reflection Questions

Grades K-6

1. St. Martin made sure that everyone, no matter how much money they did or did not have was able to get treatment when they were sick or hurt. Do you think this is true in our own community and country? Does everyone who needs help get help?
2. Have you ever considered becoming a doctor, nurse, nursing assistant, paramedic, or other job that helps people who are hurt or sick?
3. How do these jobs help us serve Jesus?

Domestic Church

1. In what ways can we be healers in our own lives like St. Martin De Porres?
2. Do we take the time to study, like St. Martin, to better understand the need and the lack of access of healthcare for the poor?
3. Have your family ever considered entering into a healing ministry like St. Martin; for example, being a parish visitor or visiting nursing homes as a family? How might that allow you to serve God?

V. Action Steps

Grades K-6

1. Learn about the things that prevent people from getting help when they are sick or hurt in your community. Offer a prayer for those who don’t have the money to get care or are unable to get care for other reasons.
2. Write cards to those who are in the hospital or nursing homes letting them know that you are praying for them.

Domestic Church

1. Stay up to date with Action Alerts on various issues, including Healthcare from the USCCB at their Action Center and the Iowa Catholic Conference Action Center
2. Contact your legislator sharing with them the view that healthcare should be seen as a human right and not a consumer good or privilege for those who can afford it; that healthcare is should not dependent upon ability to pay, that it protects all life from conception to natural death, that is recognizes the right for healthcare workers to have protection rights for their consciences, and that ensures universal coverage.

VI. Closing Prayer
O God, only support of our human weakness,
show the power of your protection
over your servants who are sick,
that, sustained by your merciful help,
they may be restored to your holy Church in good health.
Through Christ our Lord.

Amen

(from the prayer after communion For Various Occasions, “For the Sick” ; Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010, ICEL. All rights reserved.)

Additional resources:

Catechism 2288;

Compendium 166; 182; 222; 152-159;

Pope Francis message World Day of the Sick, 2018

Pacem en Terris

USCCB 1993 Statement on Healthcare

USCCB 2009 Statement on Healthcare

USCCB page on Healthcare

Pope Francis Healthcare is a human right
Pope Benedict XVI Healthcare is a human right