WORLD Leprosy day 2022
Welcome to World Leprosy Day 2022
World Leprosy Day is observed on the last Sunday of January every year to raise the awareness of leprosy. This date was chosen by the French humanitarian, Raoul Follereau, as a tribute to the life of Mahatma Gandhi who had great compassion for people with leprosy. Gandhi was assassinated on 30 January 1948. |
Our silent heroes
This year, SFLG is asking the Catholic community to reflect upon and pray for the work of Catholic nuns who dedicate their lives to caring for people with leprosy. In addition to our patron, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, we are fortunate to have the support of Bishop Declan Lang, in his capacity as Lead Bishop on International Affairs. He has offered to lend his voice to our goal of raising awareness of leprosy within the Catholic church this year. |
Below, please find materials that we have developed for our World Leprosy Day toolkit. Thank you for supporting this great initiative.
Photo gallery, graphic design and imagery
We've used these photos and graphic design images in our campaign. You are welcome to use or copy any of them. Unless indicated, please add "copyright St Francis Leprosy Guild" in your captions.
We've used these photos and graphic design images in our campaign. You are welcome to use or copy any of them. Unless indicated, please add "copyright St Francis Leprosy Guild" in your captions.
Article for World Leprosy Day - Our silent heroes
It is amazing to think that throughout the world, working in remote or impoverished locations, Catholic nuns, with hearts of compassion and dedication, are caring for people with leprosy, visiting those that are alone or isolated and restoring dignity. Please cut and paste text, photos or imagery from this article to develop your own newsletters or features. Read more in our article in WORD Download PDF |
The Story of Sister Lalitha
Badulla is an ancient city in the lower central hills of Sri Lanka. It is a tourist destination and an agricultural area surrounded by mountains and hills. It is also home to a leprosy centre supported by the Order of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary. Sister Lalitha Fernando is a Catholic nun who works in this community.
Badulla is an ancient city in the lower central hills of Sri Lanka. It is a tourist destination and an agricultural area surrounded by mountains and hills. It is also home to a leprosy centre supported by the Order of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary. Sister Lalitha Fernando is a Catholic nun who works in this community.
Case study
Shivalingam is 43 years old and lives at home in a village near Badulla, Uva Province. Both her legs are amputated due to leprosy and her hands are clawed by leprosy also. She is cared for by her mother, since her father and brother died. She has a friend in Sister Lalitha. Read Shivalingam's story and download PDF Download in WORD |
On World Leprosy Day 2022, St Francis Leprosy Guild asks the Catholic community to reflect on the great work carried out by Catholic Orders of nuns and to unite in prayer for God’s blessing on their vocation.
St Francis Leprosy Guild's Prayer for people with leprosy
Lord, we remember the many people around the world afflicted by leprosy. May we follow the example of your Son, Jesus, and St Francis of Assisi and show them love and compassion. We pray that they may be freed from the disease and its stigma. We give thanks for those who have been cured. We remember those who are permanently marked by the disease and all who care for them. We give thanks for every Catholic nun who is caring for people with leprosy. We pray that you will bless them with all that they need to serve those in their care and sustain them in their mission. Amen. |
Book a talk
If you'd like to host a talk on leprosy, our work, our history, how to prevent or cure leprosy, or a similar topic, please get in touch. Here is the booking form. We'd be happy to visit your church, school, club or similar organisation or use Zoom if you'd prefer. We hope to hear from you!
If you'd like to host a talk on leprosy, our work, our history, how to prevent or cure leprosy, or a similar topic, please get in touch. Here is the booking form. We'd be happy to visit your church, school, club or similar organisation or use Zoom if you'd prefer. We hope to hear from you!
Leprosy quiz
Thank you for your interest in seeing an end to leprosy. Why not test your knowledge on leprosy and try our quiz.
Thank you for your interest in seeing an end to leprosy. Why not test your knowledge on leprosy and try our quiz.