Heil der Frauen

The word “heil” means, among other things, “healing” and the word “Krank” means “sick”.

Believers make pilgrimages to a shrine where Mary is venerated with the title “Health of the Sick,” as in Zutendaal in Flanders. Visitors pray there for the recovery of their own or others' health.

The word “heil” has an even deeper meaning. “Heil” is synonymous with happiness, encouragement, and solace. The sick are then uplifted and comforted by Mary to alleviate suffering. This makes believers feel blessed with a sense of happiness. The depth also relates to the word “Krank”. This not only means sick, but also means wretched, pitiable, and sinful.

Invoking Our Lady as “Health of the Sick” thus means “Holy Mary, help us, poor sinners”. Many believers do this, because someone can be sick in mind or body.

Joseph-Maria Heusschen (1915–2002), the first Bishop of Hasselt (1967–1989), proclaimed “Our Lady, Health of the Sick” as the patron saint of medicine. This applies specifically to surgery, as well as to the gravely ill awaiting major operations and their loved ones.

Posted: 14 March 2025

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