Sandakan celebrates World Day of the Sick

SANDAKAN – Over 300 parishioners turned up for the inaugural Mass for the Sick and Anointing of the Sick on 11 Feb 2016 at St Joseph’s Church here.

The World Day of the Sick was instituted by Pope St John Paul II in 1992, on February 11, and is ‘a special time of prayer and sharing, and of offering one’s suffering for the good of the Church’

Some parishioners came on wheelchairs, while others came with walking aids. There were parents who brought children with special needs, as well as those who accompanied the elderly.

Some nurses and a doctor were on hand to assist in case of emergency.

The celebration of the Mass was delayed because a large number of faithful went to confession before the Mass.

Father Christopher Ireneus presided over the Mass concelebrated with Father Stanley Matakim.

In his homily, Fr Ireneus urged the faithful to “Offer yourselves, your pain and your sickness to God so that you may find joy in your hearts. Thank God for it.”  He also told them to have recourse to Mary that through her intercession they may obtain sustenance and strength from Jesus.

After Mass, all adjourned for a simple fellowship outside the Church, which was prepared by members of the BEC. – Raymond Wong