Mass for World Day of the Sick offers healing and comfort

Father Germán Osorio, rector at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, administers the Anointing of the Sick. (ICR photo/Emily Woodham)

By Emily Woodham

Staff Writer

BOISE—The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of the Church that offers healing to those who are suffering in every aspect: physical, emotional, mental or spiritual.

“This sacrament is not only for the final moments of life; it is a sacrament of strength, encounter and healing,” said Father Germán Osorio, rector at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Boise in his homily for the Mass of the World Day of the Sick.

Through this sacrament, “Christ tells the sick: ‘You are not alone. I am with you,’” he continued. “He offers healing of the body, when it serves our salvation, and always healing of the heart— freedom from fear, forgiveness of sins, and the grace to endure with faith.”

Father Osorio thanked the Order of Malta for organizing the celebration of the World Day of the Sick.

“Their charism— defense of the faith and service of the poor— shines especially bright today,” he said. “In caring for the sick, they continue the mission of Christ himself, reminding us that to serve the suffering is to touch the wounded body of Jesus.”

The Mass for the World Day of the Sick with the Anointing of the Sick was hosted by the Order of Malta chapter of Boise. (ICR photo/Emily Woodham)

He asked all those present, whether “seeking healing, offering care, or praying in solidarity,” to entrust themselves to the Lord. “May this sacrament bring comfort to the sick, strength to caregivers, and renewed compassion to all of us.”

About 400 attended the Mass that was hosted by the Order of Malta chapter of Boise on Feb. 7. Following the Mass, the Order gave out bottles of water from the miraculous spring in Lourdes, France.

The spring appeared when, in 1858, Our Lady appeared to St. Bernadette Soubirous and said, “I am the Immacuate Conception.” Thousands of pilgrims report being healed at the spring. To date, 72 medical miracles have been confirmed by Vatican investigations.

The Order of Malta also collected prayer petitions, which they will submit at the Grotto during their annual pilgrimage to Lourdes. The Order is 900 years old. It is a worldwide, lay Religious Order of the Catholic Church and cares for the poor and sick without regard to race or religion.

For more information about the Boise chapter of the Order of Malta, contact Susan Karpiel, convenor for the Boise area, at susankarpiel@verizon.net.