Vatican City, Jan 28, 2010 / 03:01 pm (CNA).- The Pontifical Council for Pastoral Assistance to Health Care Workers announced it will hold a series of events to commemorate its 25th anniversary, which will have as its central event a Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI on February 11.

February 11 is also the 18th World Day of the Sick.

The first event will take place on February 9 in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, featuring an exhibit of 28 paintings by Francesco Guadagnuolo. The main subject of the paintings, “which were created using various techniques, is the Venerable John Paul II--who 25 years ago instituted this Pontifical Council--and his relationship with suffering.”

The secretary of the Pontifical Council, Archbishop Jose Redrado, explained that the exhibit is part of the religious celebrations scheduled for the 25th anniversary. It will take place over three days and focus on the title of Pope Benedict XVI’s message for the occasion: “The Church in the service of love for those who suffer.”

In this same spirit, a concert will be held on February 10 at the Paul VI Hall with Claudia Koll as host and performances by pianists Rolf-Peter Wille of Germany and Lina Yeh of Taiwan, together with the Junior Orchestra of the Conservatory of St. Cecilia of Rome.

On February 9 and 10, an international symposium will take place at the New Hall of the Synod on two apostolic letters: “Salvifici Doloris” by John Paul II and the motu propio “Dolentium Hominum” with which the late Pontiff instituted the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers.

On the morning of February 11, the 18th World Day of the Sick, the relics of St. Bernadette Soubirous will arrive in Rome, and Pope Benedict XVI will celebrate Mass in St. Peter’s Square. Following the celebration the Holy Father will greet the sick.

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