Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop | Diocese of Honolulu

Pope Francis’s Prayer Intention for July 2024: For the Pastoral Care of the Sick

As summer brings warmth, love, and joy into the lives of many, it also contrasts with the reality for those who are sick and alone, feeling isolated and forgotten. Pope Francis’s special prayer intention for the month of July focuses on the pastoral care of the sick and how we can be more compassionate with those who are suffering from illness.

In his message titled for the 2024 XXXII World Day for the Sick, Our Holy Father reminds us of a central truth–that we were all welcomed into the world, made for love, and called to fraternity and communion; “this project of communion is so deeply rooted in the human heart.” It sustains us, especially during illness and vulnerability: “It is the first therapy we must adopt to heal society's diseases in which we live.”

Pastoral care of the sick involves caring for relationships with God, family, friends, healthcare workers, and all creation. Pope Francis asks, "Can this be done?" and answers with a focal point of his work: "Yes, it can be done, and we are all called to ensure it happens." We are all called to be more like “the Good Samaritan” who slows down, draws near, and tenderly cares for the suffering stranger.

Pope Francis passionately reminds us that "The sick, the vulnerable, and the poor are at the heart of the Church and must be at the heart of our human concern and pastoral attention…may we never forget this!" Through the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, the Church pastorally accompanies those suffering illness by offering a visible sign of God’s unwavering merciful love and carrying out Christ’s compassionate healing mission.

As other popes before him have done, Francis speaks about participating in Christian pastoral care with and for the sick as “a presence, listening, dialogue, sharing; a source of strength amid pain and weakness; hope amid despair; an occasion of joyful encounter.”

Our Holy Father's message emphasizes that compassionate pastoral presence can bring light into lives during times of isolation. To those feeling weighed down by illness or loneliness, Pope Francis encourages everyone to embrace their natural need for human connection and love. He assures them that their desire for intimacy is nothing to hide. He urges everyone to slow down and prioritize what truly matters in life. As he beautifully puts it: "Do not be ashamed of your longing for closeness and tenderness! Do not conceal it; never think that you are a burden on others. The condition of being sick urges all to step back from hectic lives to rediscover ourselves."

As people make time to enjoy this summer month, Pope Francis calls on them also to share their love through pastoral care activities. Everyone can participate in this heartfelt ministry through various parish liturgical outreach activities involving both prayer and action.

The Holy Father has entrusted his monthly prayer intentions to The Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network. For more information or access to Pope Francis's full message for World Day for The Sick 2024 visit www.popesprayer.va or www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/sick/documents/20240110-giornata-malato.html.

Mahalo.