Apostolate of the SickThe Pope, in his message for the Second World Day of Prayer of the Sick, urged the suffering to identify with the Blessed Mother, Salus Infirmorum, discerning their pain in hers, and he encouraged all healthcare workers to recognize the presence of the suffering Jesus in those they serve. The sick never cease to be members in every way of the living Church. Not only do they receive like everyone the Body of Christ, but they share by their very suffering in the Passion of Christ. Their suffering contributes in an invisible way to the faith that animates the Church. It is most apropos that in 1994, the Bishop wished that a new form of ministry be initiated in the Diocese that would invite all who are homebound, due to lingering illness or other infirmity, to become members of the Apostolate of the Sick and Suffering and share in the mystery of Redemption. This Diocesan Apostolate is under the patronage of Our Lady, Health of the Sick. As members, the Bishop wishes to confer upon them the special mission to pray and offer their sufferings for his intentions and that of the diocesan community in a spirit of unity with all members. To this end they are responding, in the measure of their physical capacity, to pray at least 15 minutes daily, as much as possible between the hours of 10 and 11 o'clock in the forenoon, for the intentions as stated. These prayers may be of their choice ( for example, the Rosary). letter from the bishop: (pdf)
|
|
