ARCHBISHOP GOMEZ TO ADMINISTER SACRAMENT OF ANOINTING OF THE SICK ON FEB. 13 AT THE CATHEDRAL OF OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS
February 11, 2016  |  By:   |  Press Releases  |  

ANOINTING FOR THE SICK MASS 4 124 ANOINTING FOR THE SICK MASS 6 124 ANOINTING FOR THE SICK MASS 13 124

Photo Credit: Victor Aleman/Archdiocese of Los Angeles

All are welcome to attend, especially those suffering illnesses and caregivers; there will be a designated section for those in wheelchairs, and volunteers will be available to help

Elderly and sick people from throughout Southern California will gather to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick from Archbishop José H. Gomez on Saturday, February 13, at 12:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, 555 W. Temple St., in downtown Los Angeles.

Anointing of the Sick is administered by a bishop or priest to offer prayers and strength to the souls of the sick through the grace of the Holy Spirit. The Anointing of the Sick and Mass are co-hosted by the Cathedral and the Western Association of the Order of Malta in observance of the 24th annual World Day of the Sick and the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.

“During World Day of the Sick, we ask our Blessed Mother’s intercession for all those who are suffering in body, mind, spirit or soul — those who are sick and those who are disabled; those facing any diseases or terminal illnesses,” Archbishop Gomez said. “We pray also for all those who assume the beautiful responsibility of taking care of their own loved ones. The husband who is caring for his ailing wife. The sons and daughters caring for aging parents. The parents taking care of a child with special needs.”

Anointing of the Sick is among the Sacraments, such as Baptism and Confirmation, during which Catholics are anointed with Holy Oils. When administering the Sacrament, the priest dips his thumb in Holy Oil, anoints the forehead and palms of the hands and says, “Through this holy anointing may the Lord in His love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.”

About 15 priests in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles are expected to assist during the ceremony, where all are welcome to attend, especially those who are ill due to physical, mental or spiritual causes, as well as all caregivers.

Everyone who attends the Mass will receive a one-ounce bottle of blessed water from the spring at the famous grotto in Lourdes, France, where St. Bernadette claimed to have seen visions of the Virgin Mary in 1858. As the story goes, the Virgin Mary instructed St. Bernadette to drink and wash in the spring. Since then, Lourdes has become a popular religious pilgrimage attracting about 6 million people every year—including thousands who claim to have witnessed miracles.

During the Mass, there will be a section designated for those in wheelchairs and volunteers will be available to help. Limited parking will be available for $8. Carpooling is encouraged. For more information, please visit http://www.olacathedral.org.

###