World Day of the Sick <br/><br/>
On February 11, 2007, when the Church keeps the liturgical memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Fifteenth World Day of the Sick will be celebrated in Seoul, Korea. Below are the main points of the message from His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI towards the sick and those suffering:<br/><br/>
Advances in the health sciences often provide the means necessary to meet challenges. Human life, however, has intrinsic limitations, and sooner or later it ends in death.<br/><br/>
It is necessary to stress once again the need for more palliative care centres. This is a right belonging to every human being,<br/><br/>
Many millions of people in our world still experience insanitary living conditions and lack access to much-needed medical resources, often of the most basic kind<br/><br/>
The Church, following the example of the Good Samaritan, has always shown particular concern for the infirm. Through her individual members and institutions, she continues to stand alongside the suffering and to attend the dying, striving to preserve their dignity at these significant moments of human existence. Many such individuals ¡V health care professionals, pastoral agents and volunteers ¡V and institutions throughout the world are tirelessly serving the sick, in hospitals and in palliative care units, on city streets, in housing projects and parishes.<br/><br/>
Brothers and sisters suffering from incurable and terminal diseases can contemplate the sufferings of Christ crucified, and, in union with him, to turn to the Father with complete trust.<br/><br/>
The Pope asks the Lord to strengthen the faith in his love, especially during these trials that everyone is experiencing.<br/><br/>
The Pope wants everyone to always find the spiritual encouragement and strength needed to nourish the faith and bring everyone closer to the Father of Life.<br/><br/>
The Pope asks ecclesial communities throughout the world, and particularly those dedicated to the service of the infirm, to continue, with the help of Mary, Salus Infirmorum, to bear effective witness to the loving concern of God our Father. May the Blessed Virgin, our Mother, comfort those who are ill and sustain all who have devoted their lives, as Good Samaritans, to healing the physical and spiritual wounds of those who suffer.