This Sunday, February 7, 2021 marked the holding of mass for the sick of Guadeloupe. An occasion that stems from the World Day of the Sick established in 1992 by Pope John Paul 2. But in the midst of a health crisis, it takes on a special dimension.
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For the first time in 29 years, patients were unable to attend the celebration organized in the hope of their speedy recovery. The pandemic has also changed this moment of spirituality and prayer. However, the healthy faithful did not fail to attend the church, as in Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul, where the pews are filled despite the measures of social distancing.
Covid-19 in everyone’s mind
On this Health Sunday, generally celebrated a little before World Day of the Sick, on February 11, the virus and its consequences on the elderly and isolated are in everyone’s prayers. The theme of this edition, “Everyone is looking for you” leaves no doubt about the place that the evangelical duty of coming to the bedside of the sick and those who suffer has taken in the work of believers this year.
Moreover, the homily of the day, pronounced by Father Édouard Silène, was also directed towards the parents and visitors of the suffering people, but also towards the nursing staff, even if this year, precaution obliges, the patients have could not receive the anointing of holy oil.
Mass also celebrates the work carried out by religious teams in establishments or places of care for sick people.
This Sunday, a whole community gathered to remind the sick that they are not forgotten.
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