Some of the things most admired about Pope (now Saint) John Paul II was how he lived with Parkinson’s Disease and how he related both with others who faced serious illness as well with as their caregivers. Shortly after his own diagnosis in 1991, Saint John Paul II designated February 11 as the World Day of the Sick.
Share this page from Visions with your families. It explains the history of this day and highlights the saints and holy people known for helping those who suffer from long-term health issues, including Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint Blaise. You may also share these prayers—one for those who face their own serious illness and blessings for the sick and elderly. Or pray this litany with your older students.
Image credits: VaticanMedia-Foto/CPP/CIRIC, Alessia GIULIANA/CPP/CIRIC
