Ask a child to share a prayer of petition and it’s likely that they will pray for a friend, relative, or pet who is sick. Each year on February 11, the Church remembers in a special way those people suffering from illness and disease. On the World Day of the Sick, Catholics are encouraged to pray for those who are sick as well as those who care for them.
The World Day of the Sick coincides with the Church’s celebration of Our Lady of Lourdes. In 1858, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette Soubirous multiple times near Lourdes, France. Nearly 5 million people visit this holy site each year, many seeking healing by drinking water from a fountain at the holy site. Teach the children about making a pilgrimage to Lourdes, as well as other holy sites, by sharing Making a Pilgrimage. As a class, research holy sites in your area that welcome holy pilgrims.
Image credit: P.RAZZO/CIRIC