“Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened” is the theme of the World Day of the Sick, which is observed on 11 February, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. In caring for the sick, Pope Francis is encouraging in healthcare workers the human warmth and personalized approach of Christ, the Good Samaritan.

More than 150 people gathered Feb. 1 at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral for a special Mass celebrated by Archbishop Christian Lépine, in observance of the 24th World Day for Consecrated Life.

In many cities across North America, the White Mass is celebrated annually by the bishop to honour those in the medical community who work in health care, including doctors and medical students. The tradition, so named for the white coats worn by physicians, is an opportunity for fellow professionals of the field to come together and ask God to bless their work as doctors and caregivers, as well as the patients they care for.

On Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020, Archbishop Christian Lépine delivered a pastoral message for the 28th World Day of the Sick.

Have you ever imagined school as never-ending, with no graduation in sight? Many might say my life is much like that. Ten years ago, in a desire to respond to the Lord's call and to answer love with love, I left everything: my father, my mother, my sisters, my friends, and my work, to dive into a world unknown to me. Embracing consecrated life, especially monastic life, was certainly not in keeping with the times.