Today, 11 February, the community of Sisters Hospitallers gathers at St Teresa’s Chapel in London to mark World Day of the Sick 2026. A day that holds particular significance within the life of the Church and within our hospitaller mission.
Residents, Sisters and members of staff come together for Holy Mass in a spirit of prayer and reflection. Throughout the celebration, hymns and liturgical responses are shared collectively, expressing not only participation in the Eucharist but the unity of our community. Sacred music, especially on this day, becomes an expression of hope, a reminder that suffering is never faced alone but within the communion of the Church.
During the Mass, residents are blessed with holy oil. This gesture, deeply rooted in the Church’s pastoral care of the sick, recalls the sacramental tradition of anointing as a sign of healing, strength and the comforting presence of Christ. While not a full celebration of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick in every case, the use of blessed oil symbolises spiritual support, consolation and the Church’s closeness to those experiencing illness or fragility.
An offertory procession is also made, presenting gifts at the altar. On World Day of the Sick, this gesture carries particular meaning: it represents the offering of human suffering, care, professional service and daily dedication to God. It is a visible sign that the realities of illness and caregiving are brought into the heart of the Eucharist.
This year’s message of the Holy Father, inspired by the Good Samaritan, calls us to compassionate proximity, not to pass by suffering, but to draw near and remain. The liturgical gestures lived today give concrete expression to that call.
The celebration is enriched by the presence of Sisters from our communities in Shenstone and Addlestone, strengthening the unity of our Delegation. As 11 February also coincides with the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Sisters share a simple moment of gratitude in celebrating the feast day of Sr Lourdes, Superior of the Delegation, within the wider liturgical context of the day.
World Day of the Sick London is therefore not merely commemorated. It is embodied, in prayer, in sacramental signs, and in renewed commitment to serve with professional excellence, tenderness and unwavering respect for human dignity.
