Archbishop José H. Gomez will join in prayer with the physically, mentally and spiritually ill during an annual Mass commemorating the World Day of the Sick. Hosted by the Order of Malta, the event will take place at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on Saturday, Feb. 13 at 12:30 p.m.
Toni Christensen, the wife of a cancer survivor, attended the Mass two years ago while her husband Chris was undergoing radiation. “It’s truly the most humbling experience a person can have,” she said about the event. “It’s about receiving God’s grace. It’s about being held up by a group of people. … In your weakness, you find strength.”
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick will be offered during the event, with about 15 priests expected to assist during the ceremony. The sick will be anointed with consecrated oil while the priest prays for spiritual and corporal healing.
“We pray for their recovery and for their continuing spiritual strength at a challenging time,” said Auxiliary Bishop Edward W. Clark regarding the World Day of the Sick. “We also commission them as ministers of the sick to others. Their witness of faith in a time of illness, infirmity or disability strengthens the faith of the entire community.”
All attendees at the Mass will receive a one-ounce bottle of blessed water from the spring at the Grotto of Lourdes, France, where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858.
The cathedral is located at 555 W. Temple St., Los Angeles. Parking is available on site for $8. For more information, please email Chuck Huebner at [email protected].
