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.

"Love is not passive; it goes out to meet the other. Being a neighbor is not determined by physical or social proximity, but by the decision to love. This is why Christians become neighbors to those who suffer, following the example of Christ, the true divine Samaritan who drew near to a wounded humanity," Pope Leo wrote in his message for the 34th World Day of the Sick.

In commemoration of the World Day of the Sick, parishes often 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. Mary of the Visitation Parish, Houlton

In commemoration of the World Day of Prayer for the Sick and the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, Father Kevin Matin will celebrate a special Mass at 6 p.m. at St. Mary of the Visitation Church, 110 Military Street in Houlton. During this Mass, Father Martin will administer the sacrament of anointing of the sick for all faithful who gather. In addition, the sacrament will also be offered after all weekend Masses on February 14 and 15 at both St. Agnes in Island Falls and St. Mary of the Visitation in Houlton.

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.