The Anointing of the Sick
In Lourdes, the sick, vulnerable and frail have been central to the Sanctuary's mission since the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette. The Sanctuary is a place of grace that attracts people suffering in body or soul. They come seeking healing, the strength to continue and move forward, and the opportunity to lay their burdens and sins at the Grotto.
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The sick embody Christ's suffering, acting as "evangelists" who draw others to faith and reveal God's grace through their witness. There are dedicated groups (Hospitalités) who welcome and serve the sick offering care and support. ​
Photo Credit: Mac Diarmada
Salus Infirmorum - Sanctuary of Lourdes
As pilgrims enter the Sanctuary via St. Joseph's Gate they are greeted by the Salus Infirmorum, a marble monument sculpted by Jules Déchin in 1912, depicting the Virgin Mary as the "Health of the Sick" showing her tending to a sick person being carried by helpers (brancardiers) on a stretcher, symbolising the Sanctuary's mission of healing and comfort for pilgrims.
Celebrating the Sacrament of the Sick
Photo Credit: Diocese of Meath
Then, anointing the palms of the hands with the sign of the cross, he says: 'May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up'. Amen.
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The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is not a simple blessing, it is a Sacrament of the Church. Only those who are ill, those preparing for surgery, or those weakened by old age should request the sacrament.
During the Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes, we celebrate the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick during Mass in one of the Sanctuary's basilicas.
In the course of the Mass, sick, frail or vulnerable pilgrims are accompanied by members of the diocesan hospitalité and other volunteers during the rite of anointing.
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After the oil is blessed by the bishop, the priests tend first to those in wheelchairs or chariots. Then those who are ambulant make their way to one of the priests for anointing.
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Having dipped his thumb in the oil, he first anoints the head with the sign of the cross saying: 'N., through this holy anointing, may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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Photo Credit: Diocese of Meath
Prayer for those who are Sick
Lord, we come to you today to ask you to heal the sick among us.
We present to you all those who are suffering physically, emotionally and spiritually.
We ask you to comfort them and give them strength and hope. We ask you to heal their bodies and relieve them of their pain.
We also ask you to heal their souls and help them find peace and reconciliation.
We also entrust to you the doctors, nurses and all those who care for the sick, we ask you to guide them in their decisions and to protect them from all danger.
We ask you to bless the families and friends of the sick and to help them find strength and comfort at this difficult time.
We believe in your healing power and we thank you for all the blessings you have given us.
Amen
Photo Credit: Diocese of Meath