Cardinal Clancy says sick and dying are not a burden

Catholics around the word will turn their attention to this weekend as St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney takes centre stage as the official location for the worldwide celebration of World Day of the Sick 2001.

The World Day of the Sick is celebrated on Sunday, 11 February with Pope John Paul II selecting Sydney, Australia as the host city for this year because her "cultural and ethnic wealth highlights the close bond of Church communion". St Mary's Cathedral has been chosen for Sunday's official Mass because it is the Mother Church of Australia dedicated to Our Lady Help of Christians.

Around 22 bishops from Australia, as well as bishops representing Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Africa will be attending Sunday's Mass which will be held at 2:30pm at St Mary's Cathedral. The Mass is dedicated to the sick and dying around the world, as well as those people involved in their care. Sunday's ceremony will include a special ceremony in which 25 people who are ill will receive the sacrament of the Annointing of the Sick.

Cardinal Edward Clancy, of Sydney, has been chosen by the Holy Father as his Papal Envoy (Pope John Paul's representative) for the occasion. "By the sick and afflicted we mean all those who suffer, either by reason of disease - be it physical or mental - or by reason of the frailties and incapacities of advancing years," said Cardinal Clancy. "One thing is certain. In the providential scheme of things, the sick are not just an unfortunate minority and something of a burden to the Church and society, they are an essential part of our community. There is much that we can learn from their suffering."

Also in attendance will be a twenty strong Vatican delegation including His Excellency, Archbishop Javier Lozano, President of the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care and Bishop Jose Redrado, Secretary of the same organisation.

Whilst in Australia the Vatican delegation will be visiting a number of hospitals in the Sydney area. On Saturday they will take part in an International Health Care Conference based on the theme of the World Day of the Sick, The New Evangelisation and the Dignity of the Suffering Person being held at Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney. International visitors from America, Spain and Asia will also be in attendance.

Media are invited and welcome to attend both the Conference on Saturday and the Mass on Sunday.