Fr Frank writes:
My Dear Friends,
At all Masses this weekend I shall read a letter from Pope Francis, in which he speaks of the 11th February (The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes) as a day for the sick and for those who care for them.
The Pope writes movingly of the gaze of Mary, Comfort of the Afflicted, the one who brightens the face of the Church in her daily commitment to the suffering and those in need. He writes of Christ, the Son of God born of Mary, as the expression of God’s merciful omnipotence, which is made manifest in our life – above all when that life is frail, pain-filled, humbled, marginalized and suffering – and fills it with the power of hope that can sustain us and enable us to get up again.
It is the Pope’s wish that the World Day of the Sick may inspire renewed efforts to defend the integrity and dignity of persons, not least through a correct approach to bioethical issues, the protection of the vulnerable and the protection of the environment.
May the God of love and compassion bless you now and always.
Fr Frank ofs
Sunday Smile:
A little girl saying her bedtime prayers:
‘Dear God, please bless Mummy and Daddy and our cat Tibbles. And look after yourself, otherwise we’re all up the creek. Amen.’ (my thanks to Fr Bill for this one)