BUCKHANNON, WV – St. Joseph’s Hospital recognized the World Day of the Sick on Wednesday, February 7th with a prayer service and the “Blessing of the Hands” in the hospital’s chapel.

Since 1992, the Catholic Church has celebrated the World Day of the Sick which coincides with the day on which the church also commemorates the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. The World Day of the Sick reminds the faithful to pray for those who are sick, invites Christians to reflect on and respond to human suffering, and recognizes and honors all persons who work in health care and serve as caregivers.

The World Day of the Sick this year is Sunday, February 11th, 2024. Pope Francis issued his message saying, “It is not good that man should be alone. The sick, and the world, need ‘therapy’ of love.”