Doha: Rosary Church Celebrates World Sick & Caregiver’s Day

By Victor D’Souza, Doha
Bellevision Media Network

Doha, 25 February 2012: Church of Our Lady of Rosary, Doha Qatar celebrated World Sick and Caregiver’s day on Friday 24 February 2012, which was organized by the ‘Family Ministry’ an organization of the Church. The Eucharistic celebration mass was offered in the morning at 10.00 am after the way of the cross. Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Peter P.M. was the main celebrant of the mass along with Rev. Fr. Selvaraj Arockiam and Rev. Fr. Elias El-Hachem.
 
The mass was attended by the parishioners including sick and care givers. Many of the caregivers working in the Hospitals came to the mass wearing their uniforms and their hand equipments (as previously informed to them by the Parish) which were blessed during the mass. Mrs. Theresa Almeida from the Family Ministry, in the introductory note briefed on the significance of the World Sick and Caregiver’s Day and its themes.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Fr. Peter in his homily explained how each and every one of us are sick in one way or other, either physically or spiritually or mentally, but there is only one healer and that is Jesus Christ. He briefed on how faith can heal any sickness and that it is not the sin that brings sickness. He also gave various examples on how healthy and happy we can feel by doing something good and how we can get healed.
 
During the introductory note it was requested to everyone to write their prayer petitions for the sick, for their near and dear ones, friends, family members,  and even for themselves. And also to write their prayer petitions for all the Caregivers – Doctors, Nurses, paramedics, therapists also those who care for the sick at home. After the Homily the ushers came around and  collected all the petitions which were offered to Lord Jesus, who is the divine healer, during offertory. Mr. Ranilo Guzman lead the Prayer for the Sick and Mrs. Thelma lead the Prayer for Caregivers.
 
At the end of the mass, the Special Caregivers of the Parish were honoured by the Priests with mementos. Mrs. Therese Almeida read out the names of the Special Caregivers of the Parish - Mr. Nery Alphonso, Mrs. Molly Pauly Mathew, Mr. Leo Estrocio,  Mrs. Aury Rodrigues and  Mrs. Vize Cardozo. Speaking on the occasion Fr. Peter briefed how quietly they have been rendering invaluable service for a number of years, not only to our Parish but to humanity and appreciated them for  their tireless efforts and priceless service.
 
Family Ministry is an Church organization which conducts and organizes various programs for the community under the guidance of the Parish Priests. Organizing the celebration of World Sick and Caregiver’s Day is one such program. The Steering Committee members of this organization are - Raffy Pingul, Chona Pingul, Ivan Braganza, Christine Braganza, Metreenj P.V., Rita Gregory, Theresa Almeida, Yvonne Coutto, Molly Pauly, Vivian D’souza, Boulus Shaddad, Iqbal Akhtar and Maroun Nassar.
 
Since 1992, the Catholic Church worldwide has been celebrating the World Day of the Sick on February 11, the day on which we also commemorate the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. World Day of the Sick has 3 themes. First, it reminds us to pray intensely and sincerely for those who are sick. Second, the celebration invites us to reflect on and respond to human suffering. And third, this day recognizes and honors all persons who work in health care and serve as caregivers.