On World Day of the Sick, Indian bishops renew call for action to care for and respect life
Today the Church marks the 25th World Day of the Sick established by John Paul II. For Mgr Mallavarapu, it is critical to fulfil the mission and "serve the poor, the sick, the suffering, the exiled and marginalised." On the occasion, the CBCI is promoting initiatives in hospitals, nursing homes, and parishes.
Bangalore (AsiaNews) – On the occasion of World Day of the Sick, which the Church celebrates today around the world along with the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Catholic bishops of India have decided to renew their call to serve the sick and the most vulnerable people in society.
In a message signed by Mgr Prakash Mallavarapu, archbishop of Visakhapatnam and president of the Health Care Commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), the bishops express hope that on this day "we can find new incentives to work for the growth of a culture of respect for life, health and the environment."
John Paul II established the World Day of the Sick, which is now at its 25th edition, to help the faithful to care for the sick through works and prayers.
This year Pope Francis’s chosen theme is ‘Amazement at what God has accomplished: The Mighty One has done great things for me . . .’ (Lk, 1:49).
Inspired by the message of the Argentine Pope, Mgr Mallavarapu reiterated his call to "follow in Mary’s footsteps" and "renew one’s spiritual energy" to fulfill the "critical" mission of the Church to "serve the poor, the sick, the suffering, the exiled and marginalised."
"I encourage all of you – the sick, those suffering, doctors, nurses, family members and volunteers – to see Mary, health of the infirm, as a sure sign of God. May Mary’s gaze, comforter of the afflicted, illuminate the face the Church in its daily commitment to those suffering and those in need."
The CBCI’s Health Care Commission includes its president Mgr Prakash Mallavarapu, Mgr William D'Souza, the archbishop of Patna, and Mgr Jacob Manathadath, bishop of Palghat. Fr Mathew Perumpil is the secretary.
Founded in 1989, the commission is tasked with coordinating the activities of all Catholic institutions and bodies in the field of public health.
The commission also operates as a national forum for meeting and discussing various topics related to health and well-being on the basis of Christian doctrine and values that inspire and characterise its activities.
"The Catholic Church in India,” noted the archbishop of Visakhapatnam, “aims to create a healthy society, where people, especially the poor, the needy and the marginalised can reach and maintain holistic well-being and live in harmony with the Creator and with themselves whilst leading a balanced life in union with others and the environment."
Across India, 12 to 19 February will be a ‘Healing Week Ministry". With this in mind, Indian bishops call on the faithful to pray and take care of the sick, alleviating their suffering.
Various Christian organisations and associations – the Christian Medical Association of India (CMAI), the National Council of Churches of India (NCCI) and the Catholic Healthcare Networks in India – have joined the event reiterating their renewed commitment to work with the Church for the care of the sick.
For the occasion, the CBCI has proposed two activities: common prayers in hospitals and clinics, fully respecting patients and believers of other religions, and blessing the sick, interfaith prayers, and liturgical ceremonies in parishes.
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