JOURNEY TO UGANDA

ADDRESS OF PAUL VI
TO THE SICK IN THE HOSPITAL OF MULOGO

Friday, 1 August 1969

Beloved sons and daughters,

You remember, in the Gospel, that one day when Our Lord was surrounded by people asking to be cured, the friends of a poor invalid made a hole in the roof of the house, and lowered his stretcher down so that Jesus could touch and heal him. Since you cannot move from your hospital beds, today it is the Pope who has come through the sky from Rome in order to be among you, and to bring you his blessing.

Like Our Lord on the Cross, you cannot move about freely; but, like Him, you can hold your arms open wide to the entire world, and offer your sufferings for the salvation of men. We admire your courage, your patience and your good humour; and We encourage you to see in your illness and pain the loving hand of God, Who loves you so dearly, and Who knows what is best for your soul and your eternal happiness. For those who love Him, all things work together for good. Let your hospital bed be an altar upon which you offer yourself completely to God, to do with as He wishes; and your reward will be exceeding great in Heaven.

From a paternal heart filled with tender affection, We bless you all, and We bless those who care for you in this hospital, your families, and all those you love.