World Day of the Sick

February 11 is commemorated as the World Day of the Sick. The theme for 2026, as chosen by Pope Leo XIV, is "The compassion of the Samaritan: Loving by bearing the pain of others." The Vatican's Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development said the theme “highlights this aspect of love of neighbor: love needs concrete gestures of closeness, through which we enter into the suffering of others, those who are ill, especially those who at the same time experience poverty, isolation and loneliness.”

The World Day of the Sick was established by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1992 to offer prayers for those who are suffering from illnesses. In establishing the day, Pope John Paul II said that he desired it to be "a special time of prayer and sharing, of offering one's suffering for the good of the Church, and of reminding everyone to see in his sick brother or sister the face of Christ who, by suffering, dying, and rising, achieved the salvation of mankind."

Pope Saint John Paul II chose February 11 as the date because it coincides with the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, a title given to the Blessed Mother after her appearances to St. Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France, in 1858. Each year, millions travel to Lourdes, seeking healing.

The World Day of the Sick is also an opportunity to recognize the ministry of health-care workers, hospital chaplains, and all who care for the sick, serving as a reminder that they are carrying on the healing ministry of Christ.

"How often, when we care for those in need, do we discover love! We realize that we are 'angels' of hope and messengers of God for one another, all of us together: whether patients, physicians, nurses, family members, friends, priests, men and women religious, no matter where we are, whether in the family or in clinics, nursing homes, hospitals or medical centers," Pope Francis wrote in his message for the 33rd annual World Day of the Sick in 2025.

In commemoration of the World Day of the Sick, many parishes hold services to pray for the sick and to offer the sacrament of the anointing of the sick. The anointing of the sick is administered to individuals suffering from physical, emotional, or mental illness. It is also administered to those having surgery, even routine procedures. In addition, the sacrament is appropriate for elderly weakened by advanced age or suffering from chronic or long-term illnesses. Anyone struggling or recovering from alcoholism or other addictions can also be anointed, as can individuals being treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or physical therapies.

Masses & Services

Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Oquossoc

St. Luke Church, 19 Lake Street, Rangeley - A Mass, healing service, and anointing of the sick will be held on Sunday, March 1, beginning at 9:30 a.m. They will be followed by a potluck lunch.

St. John Paul II Parish, Scarborough

St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 150 Black Point Road, Scarborough - Mass with anointing of the sick on Saturday, February 14, at 10 a.m.

St. Michael Parish, Augusta

St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 41 Western Avenue Augusta - A healing service with the Liturgy of the Word, adoration, and the sacrament of the anointing of the sick will be held on February 8 at 2 p.m.