Denver's Feb. 15 Mass Honors the Sick and Their Caregivers

The Pope is calling Catholics worldwide to reject society's rush and choose compassion instead.

In his message for the 34th World Day for the Sick, Pope Leo XIV used the parable of the Good Samaritan to remind Christians that love requires action, not just good intentions. He challenged believers to move beyond the "culture of speed" and make the conscious decision to stop for those who are suffering.

"Love is not passive; it goes out to meet the other," Pope Leo wrote. "Being a neighbor is not determined by physical or social proximity, but by the decision to love."

The Pope posed a modern version of the ancient parable: imagine walking down a busy street and spotting someone clearly unwell lying in a ditch. Do you stop to help, call for assistance, or rush past on your way to somewhere "more important"?

Denver Catholics will have a chance to answer that call on February 15 at Holy Ghost Parish. The annual World Day for the Sick Mass, sponsored by the Order of Malta Colorado Location, will be celebrated at noon by Denver Auxiliary Bishop Jorge Rodríguez.

The special liturgy will include the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick and a blessing for caregivers who dedicate themselves to serving those who suffer. It's happening right in downtown Denver, steps from where real-life Good Samaritan moments play out daily on city streets.

Pope Leo emphasized that true compassion goes beyond simple charity or meeting basic needs. It requires giving of ourselves and recognizing Christ in our wounded brothers and sisters, whether they're in hospitals, nursing homes, or on street corners.

"The Samaritan drew near, tended the wounds, took charge and provided care," the Pope explained. This kind of love flows from encountering Jesus, who is the ultimate Good Samaritan.

Why This Inspires

The message cuts through our excuses about being too busy or too important to stop. When we pause to recognize the inherent dignity in every person, compassion naturally follows. The Pope reminds us that serving our neighbor isn't just social work; it's loving God through our actions.

The World Day for the Sick Mass offers a beautiful opportunity for the Denver community to live out this "Samaritan spirit" together as one Body in Christ.