World Day of the Sick 2026 – The Compassion of the Samaritan
In light of the World Day of the Sick on Wednesday, February 11, Saulina Amaral, Diocesan Coordinator of the Ministries of Care, reflects on the local initiatives making an impact in the Archdiocese of Toronto.
1. What is the World Day of the Sick?
The World Day of the Sick is celebrated each year on February 11, Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes. It was started in 1992 by St. Pope John Paul II, at Lourdes, France. This celebration is an occasion to give special attention to the needs of the sick in our communities, to pray for the sick and to recognize all those who care for the sick.
The message of Pope Leo XIV for the 34th World Day of the Sick 2026 is “The compassion of the Samaritan: loving by bearing another’s pain.”
His message encourages us to follow the example of the “Good Samaritan” – “one that is welcoming, courageous, committed and supportive, rooted in our union with God and our faith in Jesus Christ.”
He writes: “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.”
2. How are parish communities caring for the sick?
One of the ways our parish communities are caring for the sick is through the ministry to the sick and homebound. This ministry provides pastoral care visits and brings Holy Communion to parishioners who are confined to their home, hospital or nursing homes due to illness or old age. This is an important ministry as it reassures the sick and homebound that the faith community cares about them and keeps them in their prayers – giving them a sense of belonging and connection with their faith community. It also encourages them to receive the sacraments of Confession and Anointing of the Sick.
3. How are parishioners/volunteers engaged in this ministry?
Some of the parishioners/pastoral care volunteers of our parish communities have responded to their baptismal call to continue the mission of Christ to care for the sick by bringing a compassionate presence, prayer and Holy Communion to the sick and homebound. The Lay Pastoral Visitors Formation and Training offered by the Office of Formation for Discipleship helps parishioners prepare to be a part of this active ministry.
4. How are parishes enhancing their Ministries of Care?
Some of our parishes are enhancing their Ministries of Care by offering the Horizons of Hope: A Toolkit for Catholic Parishes on Palliative Care - Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and including a palliative care approach in their parishes. For further information on palliative care, please visit: Archdiocese of Toronto - Palliative Care (End-of-Life Care)
For more information on the World Day of the Sick, The Sacrament of Anointing, Ministry to the Sick and Homebound, Catechetical and other resources, please visit: Archdiocese of Toronto - Care for the Sick.
