MANILA, Feb. 24, 2013—Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo on Saturday called on the laity to perceive sickness as a challenge that directs towards a holy lifestyle, leading people to an everlasting life with God.
He relayed this message to the devotees of St. Camillus de Lellis, patron of the sick, nurses, and hospitals, who flocked to San Fernando de Dilao Parish in Paco to catch a glimpse of the saint’s heart. 
“May kahulugan ang karamdaman, taong may sakit, at pagkakaroon ng sakit. Ito ay nagbubuhat sa pag-ibig, nagdadala ng kaligtasan at kabanalan,” he said.
“Ang karamdaman ay nagpalapit sa atin sa Diyos kaya’t tanggapin ito bilang paglilingkod at pagsunod sa kanya,” Pabillo added.
He urged health-impaired individuals not to be threatened by sickness, and instead call the Lord for guidance in their most trying days, since what is important is not the cure for physical sickness but the wellness of one’s soul.
“Sa mga may sakit, nandito lang ang Diyos. Lumapit tayo sa kanya, mahalin at paglingkuran natin siya,” Pabillo said. “Wag na nating hilingin ang kagalingan ng katawan lamang. Mas dapat nating hilingin ang kagalingan ng ating kaluluwa at ang pagpapatawad ng kasalanan.”
Pabillo noted the common failure of people to value the true essence of life whenever they become too preoccupied with worldly concerns.
“Karamihan sa mga tao ay nakikita lamang ang totoong kahulugan ng buhay kapag sila ay mahina na. Pero noong malakas pa, hindi napahalagahan ang Diyos, kapwa, at miski pati sarili nilang buhay,” he said.
He added that one of the most evident manifestations of the love for God is through doing good acts to one’s neighbor. He related this to the endeavor of St. Camillus who devoted his life to providing genuine and compassionate care to the sick.
Pabillo also called on those in the healthcare profession to fulfill their duties with zeal and compassion as a sign of one’s love for God, adding that their jobs must be perceived as a form of service rather than as a mere source of income.
“Gawin natin ito ng may puso at pag-ibig sa kapwa na siyang tanda ng pag-ibig sa Diyos. Gamitin ninyo ang inyong mga propesyon para makapaglingkod,” he said, adding that regardless of a person’s health condition, the most important thing is to dwell on God’s love.
“Ang mahalaga, malusog man o may sakit, tayo ay nasa pag-ibig ng diyos kaya’t nasa atin ang buhay na walang hanggan,” he said. (Jennifer M. Orillaza)
