Wednesday 11th February is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, commemorating the 1858 appearance of our Blessed Mother to St. Bernadette Soubirous in France. In 1992, Pope John Paul II added the designation "World Day of the Sick" to this feast, encouraging Catholics to further their unity of prayer with those who are sick and suffering.

Priests are privileged to share in the healing ministry of Christ through visits to those who are ill, the sacrament of Penance, and the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Anointing of the sick may take place in a communal setting at Mass or in the smaller setting of a hospital room, and is almost always a moving experience for the priest, the sick person, and family members present as we pray for God's strength.

The feast lends itself to meditation on human suffering and sickness. I recently asked Father Paul, a Diocesan Priest if he would be willing to share a few thoughts about his life and ministry since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2004. Father Paul subsequently resigned from full time parish ministry and now celebrates Mass for the residents of three nursing homes. Here is what he wrote:
"Allow me to begin by saying that I am keenly aware and most grateful for the many people from around the Diocese who have been and still are praying for me. I honestly believe that this prayerful support has enabled me to accept MS, along with its limitations, and to be at peace with the disease."
"After 30 years in parish ministry, and going on medical leave and then on to early retirement, I found myself waking up in the morning and asking myself, 'what do you have to do today?' It took a while to adjust to the lack of a schedule."

"There is a tremendous difference between parish life and nursing home life. The residents of each home I visit are unique in terms of their mental conditions, physical abilities, and even their playfulness. When I spoke to the Bishop, he told me that the nursing home residents wouldn't even notice the tremors in my hands because they tremble as well. He was right – I am no longer self-conscious about the tremors."

"Besides having tremors in common, I also have to use a walking stick. So I fit right in again – me with my cane and them with their walkers, and wheel chairs. At first, I was self-conscious of the walking stick but then the Lord reminded me that He needed help in carrying the cross."  "I still miss parish life and at times feel guilty for not contributing more, but then the Lord reminds me of my physical limitations and the peace returns."

"As I progressed through the thirty years of active parish ministry, I would wonder where I would live when it came time for retirement. Well, the Lord took care of that. I live in a small home with a garden and enjoy it very much. But I remind myself each day that as much as I like the little house, the Lord has an even better place prepared for me in His heavenly kingdom."

Father Paul's experience is a reminder that priests are not immune from human illness or suffering. The sacrament of holy orders is intended to unite priests with Christ, both in His crucified body and in His glorified body.  I pray that this Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes may provide the opportunity for all of us to delve deeper into the mystery of Christ's redemptive suffering.

If you are sick yourself, or know someone who is, please ask them to pray for Vocations -their prayers are particularly special to God for they are especially close to him due to the cross they carry.  Below are some suggestions for prayer.

Offering of the Sick for Vocations
Dear Lord, here is a new day you have given me in which to love you and to help others to love you. Above all things, help me to love and accept your holy will. Lord Jesus, in giving me this cross of my illness, it was your desire to bring me nearer to you Divine Heart. I want to bring others also to know you better, to love you more, and for this I know that good and holy priests are necessary; so I will offer my cross, united with yours, for vocations to the holy priesthood. Amen.
Teach me, O Lord, to do your will, for you are my God. Keep me, Lord, as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings. O Lord, remember not against us the iniquities of the past; may your compassion quickly come to us. Amen.

Sick Person's Prayer for Vocations
Lord, You are a good and loving Father.
I have great confidence that you are listening to me.
Our world needs many priests and consecrated men and women to serve your church.
I offer my sufferings, my illness, the infirmities of old age, and my personal inconveniences for your greater honour and glory.
Encourage our generous young people to listen to, and discern your call.
Show them how they can best serve their brothers and sisters in Christ.
Oh God, may my sickness be my prayer when I have no words.
I ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Senior Citizens' Prayer for Vocations
Lord, You call me to be a person of faith, who desires to grow in wisdom as well as age.
Teach me to be open to you in responding to your love in my life.
As I grow older, sometimes I am sick or without energy, or feel very lonely.
Let me remember that you too know what it is to suffer and yet have hope.
I desire to offer the difficulties of my life for those who also struggle to be the people you desire them to be.
I ask that you bless our church community with generous and enthusiastic ministers who desire to work among us,
and who can bring your Good News to our world.  Amen.