World Day of the Sick

The initiative of celebrating February 11 as the World Day of the Sick is a highlight of Christian teaching on the value and function of suffering.

As the history puts it, the World Day of the Sick has been established by Pope John Paul II in 1992. In his message he expressed his «appreciation and encouragement to the international and national organisations that care for sick children with generosity and self-sacrifice, especially in poor countries, and to all people who lovingly dedicate themselves to alleviate the sufferings of the sick».

Celebrating the World Day of the Sick on February 11 was not a random choice. Since ancient times the Catholics have been celebrating February 11 as the Day of the Sick. As tradition puts it, this day many years ago an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary occurred in a residence called Ludres, France. The Holy Virgin cured the sick and became the symbol of the Savior of the sick.

To Aysor.am question on how the feast is celebrated in Armenia and what events are being held on this occasion, the Spokesman of the Armenian Minister of Healthcare Ruslana Gevorgyan said that the Day is not celebrated in Armenia and no events have been organized.

Let’s hope that the sick are rendered good medicare in Armenia, hence, no special Day of the Sick is necessary to be celebrated here.