Diocese observes World Day of the Sick, faithful receive Anointing

On Feb. 11 the diocese joined the Universal Church in observing the World Day of the Sick, a day to raise awareness of illness and encourage prayer. Throughout the diocese, priests celebrated Mass and parishioners received the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, which seeks that, if it be God’s will, the person be physically healed of illness, but primarily provides spiritual healing. Monsignor Gerard Lopez, Vicar General, celebrated Mass at the Diocesan Pastoral Center and anointed those present who sought the Sacrament. The Message of Pope Leo XIV for the 34th World Day of the Sick theme was “The compassion of the Samaritan: loving by bearing another’s pain.” “This is why Christians become neighbors to those who suffer, following the example of Christ, the true divine Samaritan who drew near to a wounded humanity,” the Pope wrote in his message. The World Day of the Sick, which is observed every year on February 11 on the Feast Day of Our Lady of Lourdes, was established in 1992 by St. John Paul II.