By Matters India Reporter

Hyderabad: The Office for Health Care of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India and the Catholic Health Association of India have urged all to pray for those suffering from illnesses on the occasion of celebrating the 26th World Day of the Sick on Feb 11.

The World Day of the Sick is an observation started by Pope John Paul II as a way for believers to offer prayers for those suffering from illnesses.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Behold, your son… Behold, your mother. And from that hour the disciple took her into his home” (Jn 19:26-27).

One of the primary works of the church in India is in healthcare rendering to all sections of people, said Father Mathew Perumpil MI, secretary, Office for Health Care of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India.

Reiterating the message of Pope Francis, Father Mathew Abraham C.Ss.R, MD, director general of the Catholic Health Association of India said the church in India needs to support and pray for the sick, healthcare workers and to volunteers.