The Goaso Diocese played host to the national launch of the 33rd World Day for the Sick on Friday, April 4, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Hwediem.
The event brought together clergy, healthcare professionals, government officials, traditional leaders, and lay faithful to reflect on the Church’s healing ministry and its commitment to the sick and suffering.
The celebration began with a Solemn Eucharistic Mass led by Most Rev. Peter Paul Y. Angkyier, Bishop of Damongo and Episcopal Chair for Health, who was joined by Most Rev. Peter Kwaku Atuahene, Bishop of Goaso, and a number of priests from across the country. Special prayers were offered for the sick, caregivers, and healthcare workers.
The presence of chaplains from Catholic health institutions across the country, who were in the diocese for a national chaplains’ conference, highlighted the spiritual and pastoral role of Catholic healthcare. After the Mass, a series of addresses were delivered by dignitaries, including the Ahafo Regional Minister, Hon. Charity Gardiner, and representatives from the National and Regional Health Directorates, as well as traditional authorities and officials from the National Catholic Health Service.
A key moment in the event was the reading of the Holy Father’s message for the 33rd World Day for the Sick, delivered by Bishop Angkyier. The Pope’s message focused on compassionate care, solidarity with the suffering, and the Church’s enduring mission of healing. The theme for this year’s observance, “Hope does not disappoint (Rom 5:5), but strengthens us in times of trial,” emphasized the healing power of hope, especially in times of hardship and suffering.
During the event, Bishop Atuahene made a heartfelt appeal for support for the Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Health Centre in Mim, which is in need of urgent assistance to expand and improve its services. He called on government agencies, health stakeholders, and the faithful to assist the facility in its mission to serve the community with love and dignity.
Following the event, the Bishops and chaplains visited the sick patients at St. Elizabeth Hospital, where they offered prayers for healing and comfort. This visit underscored the Church’s closeness to those who are suffering and its commitment to bringing the healing presence of Christ to those in need.
The St. Elizabeth Hospital, with its legacy of dedicated and holistic care, provided an ideal setting for the national launch. The event was a powerful reminder of the Church’s mission to be a source of healing, hope, and dignity for all, especially the vulnerable.
The World Day for the Sick, established in 1992 by Pope Saint John Paul II, is marked annually to express the Church’s solidarity with the sick and honor those who care for them. This year’s message, aligned with the Jubilee Year of Hope, focused on the healing power of hope. The Goaso Diocese, alongside its health and pastoral partners, expressed deep gratitude to all who contributed to the successful and spirit-filled launch of this important event.
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