Our Lady Queen of Peace had the privilege of hosting the annual Mass for World Day of the Sick on Sunday, 7 February 2016. Archbishop Diarmuid Martin was the principal celebrant. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick was celebrated within the Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Penance was available beforehand. See Message of Pope Francis.
A very large number of the sick or people confined to home and their carers, from all over the Archdiocese joined the celebration, and we were especially happy to welcome those from our own parish and neighbouring parishes and care institutions in our local area.This celebration took place during the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, when we are encouraged to perform acts that extend God’s compassion and mercy to those in need. One of the Corporal Works of Mercy is to visit the sick. On this occasion, we invited the sick to visit us.
The World Day of the Sick, inaugurated by Saint John Paul II, was first celebrated on 11 February 1993, feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. It’s an occasion during which the Church throughout the world is invited to focus on her mission to give witness to the love of God towards all who suffer and their carers. World Day of the Sick each year is a time to pause and be in prayerful solidarity with the sick and with all who care for them.
We appreciate the assistance and guidance received from the World Day of the Sick Committee and the Dublin Diocesan Liturgical Resource Centre.
