Mercy holds special service for World Day of the Sick

By JULIE KEANE, Globe staff reporter
February 17, 2005

A special service was held on Feb. 11 at Mercy Medical Center's chapel in Sioux City to observe World Day of the Sick.

World Day of the Sick is held every year on Feb. 11. The day allows people to have a chance to pray for those who are suffering mental and physical illnesses. Pope John Paul II introduced World Day of the Sick in 1992.

Msgr. Roger Augustine, diocesan administrator, led the 1:30 p.m. service for patients who wanted to attend. The service started with the song 'Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You.' After the procession, Msgr. Augustine started the service talking about the importance of the day.

"We are gathering to celebrate the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick," Msgr. Augustine said. "Christ is always present when we gather in his name. We pray the sick may be restored in their health by the gift of his mercy."

Father Richard Sitzmann, chaplain, read the Gospel from the book of Matthew. The service proceeded with Msgr. Augustine giving a homily to all present.

"So often we read in the Scriptures of how people came to Jesus for healing," Msgr. Augustine said. "And each time they came Jesus would say it is because of your faith that you will be healed. We come today in faith to recognize and to accept the gift Jesus has left to his church - this sacrament of healing and anointing. We pray that the sacrament will be received and bring healing physically but more importantly that he will bring healing of our hearts and minds."

He stressed that this is especially true during the season of Lent as the Lord asks people to join with him in offering up their illnesses and their weaknesses.

All those who wanted to were able to receive the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. Msgr. Augustine first laid his hands on patients. The oil was then blessed and patients received the sacrament.

The song 'Now Thank We All Our Lord,' concluded the service.