Every year, on February 11, the Church celebrates the World Day of the Sick, a special moment to reflect on the importance of accompaniment and hope in sickness. In 2025, Pope Francis invites us to meditate on the motto: “Hope does not disappoint” (Rom 5:5) and makes us strong in tribulation,
In his message, the Pope reminds us that illness touches us all at some point and that, despite suffering, we can find hope in faith. He highlights three fundamental aspects:
1️⃣ Encountering God: ” Even illness, even when it is painful and difficult to understand, is an opportunity to meet God . encounter with the Lord, an encounter that transforms us, makes us stronger, because it makes us more aware that we are not alone.
2️⃣ The gift of hope: ” Never more than in suffering do we realize that all hope comes from the Lord, and is therefore first and foremost a gift of God . gift which we must welcome and cultivate, remaining “faithful to God’s fidelity.
3️⃣ Sharing with others: ” Places where people suffer are often places of exchange How many times, at the bedside of a sick person, we learn to hope! How many times, by being close to those who suffer, we learn to believe! How many times, by bending down to those in need, we discover love! In other words, we realize that we are “angels” of hope, messengers of God, for one another, all together: the sick, doctors, nurses, relatives, friends, priests, men and women religious; and wherever we are: in the family, in dispensaries, in homes for the elderly, in hospitals and clinics.”
In the same document, the Pope affirms; “These are comforting expressions, but they may raise some questions, especially for those who suffer. For example: how can we remain strong when we suffer in our own flesh from serious and disabling illnesses, which perhaps require treatments whose costs are beyond our means? How can we do so when, in addition to our own suffering, we see those who love us suffer and who, even when they are by our side, feel powerless because they cannot help us? In all these situations we feel the need for a support greater than ourselves: we need the help of God, of his grace, of his Providence, of that strength which is the gift of his Spirit”. (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1808).
📌 You can read the Pope’s full message on the official Vatican website.
The gaze of M. Candida: faith and closeness in sickness
Just as Pope Francis reminds us that sickness unites us in hope and faith, we can also see this same spirit in the life of M. Candida. Her closeness to the sick sisters was like a balm that soothed not only the body, but also the soul. In her writings we find a testimony of this “pastoral care”, where pain is embraced with faith and trust in God until the last breath of life.
We can re-member some of Mother Candida’s texts and may this going through the heart again help us especially in this time when we feel called to embrace our vulnerability:
📜 Common Rules. n. 29
“Those who with license visit the sick… let them try things that can cheer and comfort them.”
📜 Letter 120. Br. Antonia Robles (June 27, 1897, BAC. Vol. I)
“M. Maria is better, thanks be to God, and you thank her for her attentions and to pray for her.
I am sorry that Brother Ascension is ill, poor thing! Tell her for me to take care of her, or rather, to take care of her so that she will soon get well, and to be very patient, that I will pray for her and that she will pray for me.”
📜 Letter 211. To Br. Josefa González (BAC Vol. I)
“My beloved daughter Josefa Gonzalez: I received your letter, which I was anxiously awaiting, as I was careful not to know the state of your health. I am very happy about your improvement. I thank God for everything and I pray for your complete recovery.
I see that you are very anxious to go to heaven; but you have to work harder to gain greater glory and to have a very great crown, although I also see that you are content to live to the end, if it is God’s will. This is the most beautiful thing: may it be fulfilled in all His most holy will.”
This may also be a good day to reread the booklet: “The Daughter of Jesus in sickness according to the writings of the M. Foundress”, written by Placidia García García FI, which we have in our communities and on our website. Foundress”, written by Placidia García García FI that we have in our communities and on the web:
📖 The Daughter of Jesus in sickness according to the writings of the M. Foundress
We take refuge in Mary’s protection
The World Day of the Sick invites us to remember that illness, when lived with love and faith, becomes a space of grace. Accompaniment and presence are essential in these moments, as we recalled in the Letter of Mother General in which, on this same occasion a few years ago, she reflected: “For the sick: support and consolation. For the caregiver: gratitude.
✉️ Affection, accompaniment and sisterly presence – Daughters of Jesus
In times of pain and illness, finding consolation in Mary is like finding a lighthouse in the midst of darkness. Therefore, today we entrust ourselves to her with the prayer that has sustained generations of believers:
Under your protection we take refuge, Holy Mother of God;
do not reject the supplications that we address to you in our needs,
but rather, deliver us from all danger,
O ever Virgin, glorious and blessed!
May this World Day of the Sick help us to be bearers of hope, accompanying with tenderness and love those who need it most.
