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5th Sunday in Ordinary Time A 2026 11th February – World Day of Prayer for the Sick 2026

His Holiness Pope Leo has chosen the theme for the 34th World Day of Prayer for the Sick:
“The compassion of the Samaritan: loving by bearing the pain of the other.”
The theme draws from the Gospel parable of the Good Samaritan, reminding the faithful that true love of neighbour is not abstract but must be lived through action. The Samaritan demonstrates love by caring for the suffering man who fell in with robbers, pointing the Christian to show mercy through ‘concrete acts of closeness’, by taking on the suffering of others — especially those who are ill, and often also vulnerable due to poverty, isolation, or loneliness. The full message may be found at the Vatican Website:
Vatican Message

The Sacrament of the Sick:

Please remember, ‘Last Rites does not mean last minute’ or ‘last breath’. We should ask for this ‘last sacrament’ as soon as we are aware of having an illness or infirmity that places us in some danger of death. ‘Last Rites’ includes Confession, The Anointing and Holy Communion, and so it is most fruitful when the individual is conscience and able to make an act of faith in the Lord Jesus. The sacrament can be administered after any parish Mass, or a home visit can be arranged by contacting the parish office. If a child (under the age of 7) is seriously ill they should ask Fr. Simon to complete the sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion) so that they know the Lord’s closeness as a child of God.

Wishing your every blessing. Fr. Simon.