Image: The Catholic news agency of the Bishops’ Conference of Bosnia and Herzegovina
We pray for the repose of Benedict XVI and thank God for his service to Holy Mother Church.
Benedict was pope for eight World Days of the Sick, from 2006 to 2013.
In 2007, he said the following for communities like The Peace with Dementia Rosary:
“Here I would like to encourage the efforts of those who work daily to ensure that the incurably and terminally ill, together with their families, receive adequate and loving care. The Church, following the example of the Good Samaritan, has always shown particular concern for the infirm. Through her individual members and institutions, she continues to stand alongside the suffering and to attend the dying, striving to preserve their dignity at these significant moments of human existence. Many such individuals – health care professionals, pastoral agents and volunteers – and institutions throughout the world are tirelessly serving the sick, in hospitals and in palliative care units, on city streets, in housing projects and parishes.
I now turn to you, my dear brothers and sisters suffering from incurable and terminal diseases. I encourage you to contemplate the sufferings of Christ crucified, and, in union with him, to turn to the Father with complete trust that all life, and your lives in particular, are in his hands. Trust that your sufferings, united to those of Christ, will prove fruitful for the needs of the Church and the world. I ask the Lord to strengthen your faith in his love, especially during these trials that you are experiencing. It is my hope that, wherever you are, you will always find the spiritual encouragement and strength needed to nourish your faith and bring you closer to the Father of Life. Through her priests and pastoral workers, the Church wishes to assist you and stand at your side, helping you in your hour of need, and thus making present Christ’s own loving mercy towards those who suffer.”
I encourage you to explore messages from Benedict XVI (and other popes) on the Vatican website. Benedict XVI’s are here:
https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/messages/sick.index.html#messages
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Join us in spreading the word about Catholic Aging ministry with “The Peace with Dementia Rosary” by becoming an Ambassador. Email Matthew at Matt@CatholicAging.com to learn more and see what materials are available to share with your priest, ministry, diocese, and others. Thank you for considering and may God bless you for bringing hope to others.
