The Order of Malta and the World Day of the Sick are united in their mission to care for the sick and uphold the dignity of those who suffer. Founded in the 11th century, the Order has a long history of providing medical care and humanitarian aid, a tradition that continues today through its regular pilgrimages to Lourdes.
This mission of healing service was honored on Sunday at Holy Ghost Church in downtown Denver, where the Order of Malta hosted the Mass for the World Day of the Sick, a solemn and prayerful celebration recognizing both the suffering and those who care for them.
Established by Pope St. John Paul II in 1992, the World Day of the Sick is observed annually on Feb. 11, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, who appeared to St. Bernadette in France at a site now known for miraculous healings and spiritual renewal. The annual Mass serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith and the enduring call to serve those in need.
Auxiliary Bishop Jorge Rodríguez celebrated the Mass and, during his homily, reminded everyone of their ability to help those suffering from illness.
“The love of God is the most powerful medicine for humanity. The love and touch of Jesus in the soul is the most effective cure for all our disappointments, failures and wounds,” Bishop Rodriguez said.
Recounting a time when he was on pilgrimage to Lourdes, Bishop Rodríguez reflected on the experience many had at the holy site.
“Many came to Lourdes looking for a miracle, a healing. And I’m sure that many came back healed, probably not in the body, but in the heart and souls. Many miracles did happen, dealing with physical sicknesses or spiritual ones. We have the balm, anointing and salve in our hands to bring Jesus’ healing to our brothers and sisters, the healing of love, the healing of care. Precisely in this Jubilee Year, Pope Francis invites us to become signs of hope for our sick brothers and sisters,” Bishop Rodriguez said.
In fact, Pope Francis encourages everyone to remember that works of mercy are also works of hope, Bishop Rodríguez reminded those gathered, pointing to the pope’s words: “Inclusive attention should also be given to all those in particularly difficult situations, who experience their own weaknesses and limitations, especially those affected by illnesses or disabilities that severely restrict their personal independence and freedom. Care given to them is a hymn to human dignity, a song of hope that calls for the choral participation of society as a whole” (Spes non confundit, 11).
Father Chris Uhl, OMV, who served as pastor at Holy Ghost from 2011 to 2022 and is now assigned to a parish in Alton, Ill., traveled back to Denver to attend the special Mass. He emphasized not only prayers for those who are sick but for the caregivers.
“It’s a great weight. It’s a lot of responsibility, and it’s just a lot of energy. There are a lot of caregivers with the people at home — spouses or children at home. And it just takes a lot of energy to do that, and so they need the grace of God. They need that grace to help them do that. They need to be reminded that they’re serving Christ, like Bishop Jorge said. When they serve that person who may have an ailment or needs help, they’re serving Christ,” he said.
John Gallegos has been deeply committed to the Order of Malta since 2017, driven by his personal journey with his son Nico’s health challenges. His experience ignited a passion for the Order’s mission, making the Mass for the World Day of the Sick especially meaningful to him.
“The Day of the Sick Mass is really very, very special to us. It was instituted by St. Pope John Paul II, and it really is kind of a recognition that among us are individuals who need healing and are looking for healing,” John Gallegos said.
Each year, the Order helps bring many suffering from illness to Lourdes, France, a place of healing and solidarity, as many from around the world come together seeking the Divine Physician’s help — a healing that is not always physical but often spiritual. Many arrive carrying unseen burdens, and while not everyone leaves with a cured body, they often find peace, joy and a renewed sense of hope.
Diagnosed with leukemia in 2021, parishioner Steve Conway was nominated by a relative in the Order for a pilgrimage to Lourdes. The experience profoundly shifted his perspective, leading him to reflect on the role of the sick in society.
“We tend to put the sick, put the elderly, in a facility; somebody else will take care of them. But really, the purpose of the sick in society is to allow others to do those corporal acts of mercy,” Conway said.
Natalie Garza, who attended the Mass, had never been to a Mass for the sick and wanted to experience it. She said it was humbling and profound.
“It gave me a better understanding of faith because seeing a lot of people believe in this and having people walk up and know that this is a power of healing was a big insight for me. Because even though maybe we’re not sick physically, we could be mentally as well. So that gave us a lot of hope to still hold on to this faith and believe,” she said.
For Nico Gallegos, John’s son who has battled kidney failure for nearly 23 years, his family’s involvement with the Order of Malta, their pilgrimage to Lourdes and their participation in the World Day of the Sick are deeply meaningful experiences that have provided strength and support throughout his journey.
“I think, for me, it’s looking through a different lens of life. You take things into more consideration, but you’re also much more appreciative about the little things. Also, for me, there’s not one day that goes in your mind that says, ‘I have this illness.’ It’s not going to define who I am,” Nico said.
Ultimately, Bishop Rogríguez reminded everyone present, Jesus’ Cross represents the cry of humanity, a prayer for healing and salvation, and shows us that God understands our suffering firsthand. He is still among us in our streets and at the bedside of anyone who is sick and suffering, and we, like him, are called to be there for our sick brothers and sisters.
“Let’s become angels of hope for one another,” Bishop Rodriguez concluded.
