THE sick are not a burden to Church and society but an essential part of our community, Cardinal Edward Clancy of Sydney said on February 11 at a packed special Mass in Sydney to celebrate World Day of the Sick.
Cardinal Clancy was Pope John Paul’s envoy at the celebration, the first world day which has had its focus in Australia.
Its theme was “The New Evangelisation and the Dignity of the Suffering Person”.
About 3200 people attended the ceremony at St Mary’s Cathedral, including about 22 Australian bishops and others from Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Africa who concelebrated the Mass.
During the Mass, 25 people suffering various illnesses received the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Afterwards more than 500 others also received the sacrament.
Preaching at the Mass, Cardinal Clancy said: “Suffering is the key to the significance of the sick in the works of redemption and salvation. Christ’s work in relieving suffering was symbolic of his forgiveness of sin.”
