Pope says faith shown by sick, suffering is precious gift

Published: 2004-02-11

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The example of Catholics who, despite sickness and suffering, continue to express faith in the saving power of Christ is a precious gift for the church, Pope John Paul II said. Marking the Feb. 11 celebration of the World Day of the Sick, the pope said: "Human existence is always a gift of God, even when it is marked by physical suffering of any kind. It is a gift which the church and the world must value." The Catholic Church's main celebration of the day was being held at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France, which was connected by satellite with Pope John Paul for his weekly general audience from the Vatican. In his audience talk, Pope John Paul said that from a human point of view "suffering and sickness can appear to be absurd realities." But, he said, when suffering is seen in the light of the Gospel, "one is able to gather its deep salvific meaning." The Gospel message is that Christ suffers for and with all people, taking their pain and making it part of the path to salvation and new life, the pope said.

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