Mass for World Day of Sick stresses healing, ties to Lourdes shrine

Published: 2008-02-11

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Some were in wheelchairs. Others hobbled on canes or were assisted by caregivers in white lab coats. Many were elderly but several were young. All suffered serious health problems. They came together at a special Mass Feb. 11 at Washington's Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception to receive the anointing of the sick, one of the church's seven sacraments. The anointing is reserved for people whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age. The Mass celebrated World Day of the Sick, which is tied to the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. This year's observance also commemorated the 150th anniversary of the first Marian apparitions at Lourdes in southern France. The shrine at Lourdes is a major pilgrimage site for people seeking physical healing by drinking from the shrine's spring and bathing in its waters.

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