On February 11, the Feast Day of Our Lady of Lourdes and the Church’s World Day of the Sick, our “little family” of Residents, Sisters, and staff gathered in the chapel for a candlelight Rosary and procession.
Holding candles, the community watched Sister Jacinta and Lorena process from the back of the chapel to the front with a statue of Our Lady surrounded by flowers. Sister Francis Catherine then led the Rosary. After the prayers at the altar concluded, the statue was returned down the aisle and the procession moved to our Grandview Room, where the Rosary continued in shared devotion and prayer.
Following the celebration, we enjoyed cookies and juice together, sharing gentle conversation and the comfort of community.
Today’s prayer and procession not only honored Our Lady of Lourdes but also joined the Church worldwide in observing World Day of the Sick, a day to pray for those who suffer and for all who tenderly care for them.
When staff joined the devotion, Msgr. Bazan offered a heartfelt prayer and blessed the hands of “the workers who care for the aged poor.” He prayed that God, the Divine Physician, would strengthen their hands, guide their minds and fill their hearts with merciful love and compassion; grant them wisdom, skill and patience; protect them from burnout and despair; and help them see Christ in every Resident as they serve with charity, seeing their work as a holy calling.
Mother Patrica Mary said, “We give thanks for this peaceful time of prayer and for the love that binds our community together. May Our Lady of Lourdes watch over our Residents and all who serve them.”
By holding this celebration on World Day of the Sick, we joined Catholics around the world in prayer for those who suffer and for all who tenderly care for them.
Simple rituals – candles, processional, prayer and the blessing of hands – remind us that care for the sick is a sacred calling and a living sign of Christ’s mercy.
May Our Lady of Lourdes intercede for our Residents and bless those who serve them. Amen.
