Bishop Router welcomes Pope Francis’ World Day of the Sick message

 

In this year’s message for the ‘World Day of the Sick’, which falls today Sunday 11 February, Pope Francis revisits the recent memory of the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights the anguish of isolation that was felt especially by patients who were unable to receive visitors, families and healthcare workers who had to work in very difficult and often isolated conditions.  The Pope also draws attention to where war and poverty exist in today’s world, places where people suffer alone without dignity and the basic supports that a properly functioning society should offer.

Pope Francis further reflects on the innate human need for communion and relationships, echoing the verse from Genesis Chapter 2 that ‘it is not good that man should be alone’.  Created in the image and likeness of God and reflecting the relationship at the heart of the Trinity, human lives are designed to be fulfilled in connection with others, whether through friendships, loving relationships, or supportive networks.

Today’s date in the Church calendar also celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, and Pope Francis’ annual message for the sick reminds us that, even in advanced modern societies such as Ireland, the prevailing culture of individualism that prioritises productivity over human connection can lead to a sense of abandonment and isolation, particularly among the elderly and sick.  There is a mindset emerging that views certain individuals, such as the elderly and disabled, sometimes the child in the womb, as expendable or as a burden on society.  Political decisions influenced by this mindset often neglect the fundamental right to healthcare for all, from conception to natural death, and worsen the feeling of isolation among those who are vulnerable.

Pope Francis also emphasises the importance of healing relationships and the need for compassionate care in all our lives, especially in the lives of the sick.  He calls for a shift towards a culture of tenderness and compassion, advocating for a holistic approach to healthcare that acknowledges the significance of human connections in the healing process.  The Holy Father concludes with a call to action for all Christians to emulate the compassion of Jesus.

The sick, vulnerable and poor are at the heart of the Church and must always be at the heart of our pastoral attention.  It is so tragic and sad that many countries, particularly in the western world, are not taking into account the deep ethical considerations that surround the basic and foundational human right to life.  Abortion and euthanasia are now promoted as necessary and essential in the provision of healthcare without any consideration for how they undermine the very notion of genuine care and concern for others.

Everyone has the right to access good quality healthcare that puts their lives first and not economics or mere convenience.  So, as chair of the Bishops’ Council for Healthcare, I welcome Pope Francis’ message for this World Day of the Sick and I pray that we may listen to his encouragement to be at the forefront in promoting a more compassionate society - a society that respects, first and foremost, the dignity of all.