World Day of the Sick 2025
"Hope Does Not Disappoint" (Rom 5:5)
Every year on February 11, the Church celebrates the World Day of the Sick, a moment to pray for those who suffer illness and to reflect on how we, as a community, are called to care for them with compassion. In his message for 2025, Pope Francis chose the theme: "Hope does not disappoint" (Romans 5:5).
At the heart of this message is the reminder that Christian hope is not mere optimism—it is rooted in God’s faithful love. This hope sustains us, especially in times of suffering, reminding us that we are never alone. The Pope highlights three key ways in which God remains close to the sick and suffering: through encounter, gift, and sharing.
1. Encounter – Meeting God in Our Suffering
Pope Francis encourages those who are ill not to see suffering as an abandonment by God, but as a place where He draws near. He reminds us of the Gospel stories where Jesus heals the sick, touches the leper, and comforts the afflicted. These encounters reveal that Christ is always present in the lives of those who suffer.
The Pope calls on the Church to follow this example by being a Church of encounter—a community that does not avoid or ignore the sick but draws near to them. This means listening to their struggles, praying with them, and offering our presence. Just as Jesus never looked away from suffering, neither should we.
2. Gift – God’s Strength in Our Weakness
The Pope reminds us that in suffering, we can experience the gift of God's grace. Although illness is a burden, God does not leave us to carry it alone. His Spirit strengthens us, giving us the grace to endure, to trust, and to find meaning even in difficult circumstances.
Many saints have found deep spiritual growth in suffering. St. John Paul II, who established this World Day of the Sick, bore his illness with faith, showing how suffering can become a path to holiness. Pope Francis encourages the sick to see their struggles not as a sign of defeat, but as an opportunity to be deeply united with Christ.
For caregivers, this also means recognizing that their work is a gift from God. Whether they are family members, doctors, nurses, or volunteers, those who care for the sick participate in the healing ministry of Christ. They are instruments of God’s mercy.
3. Sharing – A Community That Suffers Together
The Pope highlights the importance of solidarity with the sick. In a world that often values productivity and strength, illness can make people feel forgotten or burdensome. Yet, the Christian community is called to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).
Pope Francis urges all of us to share in the suffering of others. This does not mean we must always have solutions or cures. Sometimes, a simple presence, a kind word, or a prayerful silence is the greatest act of love. When we accompany the sick, we remind them—and ourselves—that they are never alone.
This is also a call to society. We must ensure that healthcare is available to all, especially the poor and marginalized. A truly compassionate society is one that cares for its most vulnerable.
The Jubilee Year 2025 – A Special Moment for the Sick
Since this year marks the Jubilee Year 2025, Pope Francis reflects on how the sick play a vital role in this time of grace. He describes their suffering as a "sign of hope" for the world. Why? Because when we see faith lived out even in suffering, we are reminded that God’s love is stronger than pain and death.
To highlight the importance of this, Pope Francis has postponed the next solemn celebration of the World Day of the Sick to 2026, when it will take place at the Marian Sanctuary of the Virgin of Chapi in Arequipa, Peru. This decision recognizes that during the Jubilee, God is inviting the sick and suffering to a special mission—to be witnesses of hope.
A Call to Action – What Can We Do?
Pope Francis’s message challenges us to not simply reflect, but act. Here are some concrete ways we can respond:
Pray for the Sick – Let us lift up those who are suffering, entrusting them to God’s healing power.
Visit and Comfort – Whether in hospitals, nursing homes, or our own families, let us be present to those who are ill.
Support Caregivers – Recognize and appreciate those who serve the sick, from medical workers to family members.
Work for Justice in Healthcare – Advocate for healthcare that respects the dignity of every person, especially the poor.
Hope That Does Not Disappoint
As we celebrate this World Day of the Sick, may we remember the Pope’s central message: hope does not disappoint. God is near to the suffering, His grace sustains us, and His love calls us to be a people of compassion. May we bring His healing presence to a world in need.
"Hope Does Not Disappoint" (Rom 5:5)
Every year on February 11, the Church celebrates the World Day of the Sick, a moment to pray for those who suffer illness and to reflect on how we, as a community, are called to care for them with compassion. In his message for 2025, Pope Francis chose the theme: "Hope does not disappoint" (Romans 5:5).
At the heart of this message is the reminder that Christian hope is not mere optimism—it is rooted in God’s faithful love. This hope sustains us, especially in times of suffering, reminding us that we are never alone. The Pope highlights three key ways in which God remains close to the sick and suffering: through encounter, gift, and sharing.
1. Encounter – Meeting God in Our Suffering
Pope Francis encourages those who are ill not to see suffering as an abandonment by God, but as a place where He draws near. He reminds us of the Gospel stories where Jesus heals the sick, touches the leper, and comforts the afflicted. These encounters reveal that Christ is always present in the lives of those who suffer.
The Pope calls on the Church to follow this example by being a Church of encounter—a community that does not avoid or ignore the sick but draws near to them. This means listening to their struggles, praying with them, and offering our presence. Just as Jesus never looked away from suffering, neither should we.
2. Gift – God’s Strength in Our Weakness
The Pope reminds us that in suffering, we can experience the gift of God's grace. Although illness is a burden, God does not leave us to carry it alone. His Spirit strengthens us, giving us the grace to endure, to trust, and to find meaning even in difficult circumstances.
Many saints have found deep spiritual growth in suffering. St. John Paul II, who established this World Day of the Sick, bore his illness with faith, showing how suffering can become a path to holiness. Pope Francis encourages the sick to see their struggles not as a sign of defeat, but as an opportunity to be deeply united with Christ.
For caregivers, this also means recognizing that their work is a gift from God. Whether they are family members, doctors, nurses, or volunteers, those who care for the sick participate in the healing ministry of Christ. They are instruments of God’s mercy.
3. Sharing – A Community That Suffers Together
The Pope highlights the importance of solidarity with the sick. In a world that often values productivity and strength, illness can make people feel forgotten or burdensome. Yet, the Christian community is called to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).
Pope Francis urges all of us to share in the suffering of others. This does not mean we must always have solutions or cures. Sometimes, a simple presence, a kind word, or a prayerful silence is the greatest act of love. When we accompany the sick, we remind them—and ourselves—that they are never alone.
This is also a call to society. We must ensure that healthcare is available to all, especially the poor and marginalized. A truly compassionate society is one that cares for its most vulnerable.
The Jubilee Year 2025 – A Special Moment for the Sick
Since this year marks the Jubilee Year 2025, Pope Francis reflects on how the sick play a vital role in this time of grace. He describes their suffering as a "sign of hope" for the world. Why? Because when we see faith lived out even in suffering, we are reminded that God’s love is stronger than pain and death.
To highlight the importance of this, Pope Francis has postponed the next solemn celebration of the World Day of the Sick to 2026, when it will take place at the Marian Sanctuary of the Virgin of Chapi in Arequipa, Peru. This decision recognizes that during the Jubilee, God is inviting the sick and suffering to a special mission—to be witnesses of hope.
A Call to Action – What Can We Do?
Pope Francis’s message challenges us to not simply reflect, but act. Here are some concrete ways we can respond:
Pray for the Sick – Let us lift up those who are suffering, entrusting them to God’s healing power.
Visit and Comfort – Whether in hospitals, nursing homes, or our own families, let us be present to those who are ill.
Support Caregivers – Recognize and appreciate those who serve the sick, from medical workers to family members.
Work for Justice in Healthcare – Advocate for healthcare that respects the dignity of every person, especially the poor.
Hope That Does Not Disappoint
As we celebrate this World Day of the Sick, may we remember the Pope’s central message: hope does not disappoint. God is near to the suffering, His grace sustains us, and His love calls us to be a people of compassion. May we bring His healing presence to a world in need.
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Atrium Angels at St Dominic's
Classes started on Sunday 22nd September 2024- 9am-10.15am
Contact the office- 428-7677 or send an email to [email protected] for details.
See attached registration below
Classes started on Sunday 22nd September 2024- 9am-10.15am
Contact the office- 428-7677 or send an email to [email protected] for details.
See attached registration below

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First Communion Programme at St Dominic's:
First Communion Classes started on Saturday 14th September 2024.
Registration is now closed.
First Communion Classes started on Saturday 14th September 2024.
Registration is now closed.
Confirmation Programme 2024-2026
Classes started on Friday 20th September 2024.
See updated registration form (under Sacraments)
Registration is now closed.
Contact the office -428-7677 or send an email to [email protected] for details.
Classes started on Friday 20th September 2024.
See updated registration form (under Sacraments)
Registration is now closed.
Contact the office -428-7677 or send an email to [email protected] for details.
CARE MINISTRY OUTREACH VISITATION PROGRAMME
The Care Ministry Outreach Visitation Programme started the week of 15th July 2024
We are reaching out to all parishioners in need or if you know of any parishioner in need - this includes those who are housebound, ill, lonely, bereaved or anyone in crisis. Call or email the office with your name, if calling on behalf of someone- their next of kin information so we can get permission if needed.
It is open all who are in need of an attentive listener or someone to share a few minutes with them.
God Bless!
The Care Ministry Outreach Visitation Programme started the week of 15th July 2024
We are reaching out to all parishioners in need or if you know of any parishioner in need - this includes those who are housebound, ill, lonely, bereaved or anyone in crisis. Call or email the office with your name, if calling on behalf of someone- their next of kin information so we can get permission if needed.
It is open all who are in need of an attentive listener or someone to share a few minutes with them.
God Bless!
St Monica's Group:
Meets first Wednesday of every month at 10am in the Parish Hall.
All widows, widowers, and unmarried divorcees are invited.
Meets first Wednesday of every month at 10am in the Parish Hall.
All widows, widowers, and unmarried divorcees are invited.
Our Community January 2023 and March 2023
The St. Dominic’s Church Community
stands today as a testimony of the strong will and hard work of the founding members and of the efforts by a small group of fervent Catholics to secure a parish church for parishioners in the Maxwell, Christ Church area within the Diocese of Bridgetown.
Besides its regular parishioners, the church also serves many Catholic tourists who vacation at several of the hotels in the area, some of whom, as repeat visitors, look forward eagerly to attending Sunday Mass when they visit. The parish currently has a diverse congregation of many national, cultural and ethnic origins. The parish has been served from its inception by Priests of the Dominican Order but at present is served since 2008 by Pallottine Priests of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (St. Vincent Pallotti).
stands today as a testimony of the strong will and hard work of the founding members and of the efforts by a small group of fervent Catholics to secure a parish church for parishioners in the Maxwell, Christ Church area within the Diocese of Bridgetown.
Besides its regular parishioners, the church also serves many Catholic tourists who vacation at several of the hotels in the area, some of whom, as repeat visitors, look forward eagerly to attending Sunday Mass when they visit. The parish currently has a diverse congregation of many national, cultural and ethnic origins. The parish has been served from its inception by Priests of the Dominican Order but at present is served since 2008 by Pallottine Priests of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (St. Vincent Pallotti).