The Pope's Message for the World Day of the Sick

The Vatican has released Pope Benedict's Message for the World Day of the Sick for 2007.  The World Day of the Sick will be observed on February 11, 2007 in Seoul, South Korea.  That is the same day when the Church observes the liturgical memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes, as mentioned in the message's introductory paragraph.  The message speaks to the terminally ill and also to those who care for them, and speaks of the Church's need to call for just policies which can eliminate the cause of disease.  Here is an excerpt:

"Here I would like to encourage the efforts of those who work daily to ensure that the incurably and terminally ill, together with their families, receive adequate and loving care.  The Church, following the example of the Good Samaritan, has always shown particular concern for the infirm.  Through her individual members and institutions, she continues to stand alongside the suffering and to attend the dying, striving to preserve their dignity at these significant moments of human existence.  Many such individuals – health care professionals, pastoral agents and volunteers – and institutions throughout the world are tirelessly serving the sick, in hospitals and in palliative care units, on city streets, in housing projects and parishes."