The 21st edition of the World Day of the Sick on the 10th February was also celebrated at the Basilica of St Catherine of Bethlehem. The Holy Mass brought together sick people of all ages: children, young people, adults and elders. The day brought a moment of prayer, of sharing and proximity towards the sick people that experience hardship, sickness or suffering and their families in Bethlehem.
The sick people arrived by minibus and were accompanied in the church by volunteers from the Terra Sancta Boys School. They were happy to be able to take part again in the mass at the Basilica of St Catherine. The residents of the residential home for the elderly of the Antonian Charitable Society took part as well. They are supported by ATS pro Terra Sancta's monthly contributions to the purchase of medicine and to the costs of physiotherapy for the women who live there and for the elderly who visit the day centre three times a week. The commitment of the parish and of ATS pro Terra Sancta has made them feel the support and the proximity of the whole community.
At the end of the celebration, the sick people were invited to a meal offered by the parish. This was an important moment to be together, to share their experiences and to make bonds of awareness and friendship.
