Program of the VIIth World Day of the Sick in Lebanon
February 1999

Theme: “God is the Father”.
“Charity” is the theological virtue to be lived”.
Objective: Encounter of the Monotheistic religions.
A. Preparations Program
1. Wednesday, January 6th : Press conference at the Catholic Center for information to present the program and the
                                           message of His Holiness Pope John Paul II.
2. January 10 th - 16th         : Week of the stressed, celebrated by the, Greek Melkites.
3. January 17 th - 23 th        : Week of the paraplegics, celebrated by the Armenians.
4. January 24th - 30th          : Week of the sick child, celebrated by the Chaldeans.
5. Jan. 31th - Feb. 6th          : Week of Aids patients and drug addicts celebrated by the Maronites.
6. February 7th - 12th           : Week of all the sick, celebrated by the Latins.
During these weeks, many celebrations are scheduled in different parishes, care centers, universities and schools.

B. Involvement of hospitals and care centers
 1. Multiple discussions will be held around issues of health, bioethics, the value of the human being and the
     meaning of suffering.
 2. Prayers and masses will be organized with the sick, their families and health care workers.
 3. Discounts on hospital bills will be highlighted.
 4. The subject of the Catholic hospital characteristics will be tackled.

C. Participation of Parishes
 1. Prayers with the sick and the paraplegics.
 2. Apostolic movements groups will carry out visits to sick patients in elderly homes and hospitals.
 3. Homilies bringing out the value of man and the redeeming meaning of suffering.
 4. Mass for the intentions of the ill and suffering.
 5. Evangelical meetings and evening gatherings for prayers.

D. Participation of Schools
 1. To teach religious instruction in schools, about man's value and the sense of saving suffering.
 2. The possibility of holding class competitions for children in their classes around the value of humans.