"It is not good for man to be alone" (Gen 2:18)

As part of the World Day of the Sick, instituted since 1992 by Saint John Paul II, in memory of Our Lady of Lourdes (February 11), SASMAD has organized once again this year a celebration for, and with the sick on Saturday, February 10, 2024. 

This day of prayer took place at the Saint-Isaac Jogues Church, 1335 Chabanel Street East. It all began at 10 a.m. with the Rosary followed by the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Eight priests were available in the morning for individual confessions and to administer the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. The event culminated at noon with a Eucharistic concelebration presided over by the Episcopal Vicar Fr. Harry Célestin, c.s.v.  Afterwards, soup was served in the basement of the church, for all participants. 

More than a hundred participants and collaborators were able to infuse this celebration with so much love and sweetness. This day, which is so important for our Church, has highlighted the importance of our mission, which is to bear loving witness to God's presence and the preciousness of the most vulnerable. 

This day perfectly echoed the message of Pope Francis who reminds us: “ Let us remember this central truth in life: we came into the world because someone welcomed us; we were made for love; and we are called to communion and fraternity. This aspect of our lives is what sustains us, above all at times of illness and vulnerability. It is also the first therapy that we must all adopt in order to heal the diseases of the society in which we live… The sick, the vulnerable and the poor are at the heart of the Church; they must also be at the heart of our human concern and pastoral attention. May we never forget this! And let us commend ourselves to Mary Most Holy, Health of the Sick, that she may intercede for us and help us to be artisans of closeness and fraternal relationships” Rome, Saint John Lateran, 10 January 2024  Francis 

Give thanks to God.