Yesterday we celebrated the World Day of the Sick, a day of particular significance in the life of the Church and in our Hospitaller mission. This celebration places people who are experiencing illness at the heart of our attention and reminds us that care, compassion and accompaniment are essential expressions of the Gospel.
This special day was marked across all our centres within the English Delegation. Yesterday we shared how our London community lived the occasion. Today, we highlight how our communities in Addlestone and Foso celebrated this meaningful day.
At St Augustine’s in Addlestone, Sister Isabel led a reflective talk on the meaning and importance of the World Day of the Sick. Staff and residents then listened to a letter from the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, written especially for this occasion.
The community joined together in a decade of the Rosary. Before beginning, staff and residents were invited to share their prayer intentions. Responses included “family and friends”, “my children”, “world peace”, and “the sick and needy”. It was a moment of sincerity, reflection and shared faith.
The celebration continued with a hymn, followed by time together over sherry, tea and cake. More than a ceremony, it became an opportunity to strengthen connections, encourage open conversation and nurture a true sense of community.
Almost 5,000 kilometres away, at St Francis Xavier Hospital in Foso, the World Day of the Sick was also celebrated with joy and devotion. Sisters, staff, residents and collaborators gathered for Mass at the OPD. It was a beautiful moment of unity, enriched by music and active participation. The celebration reflected the vibrant faith life of the community and the deep-rooted spirit of hospitality that defines our mission.
We are pleased to share a video of this moment, offering a glimpse into how this special day is lived in Foso.
These celebrations reflect the rich cultural heritage within our Delegation and the strength of our shared identity. Though separated by distance, we remain united in mission and in faith. Wherever we are in the world, the Gospel continues to inspire our service. On days such as this, our core value of hospitality becomes even more visible: expressed in prayer, in care, and in the creation of family and community.