Northern Virginia Hosts Mass and Anointing of the Sick

On Laetare Sunday, March 15 at 3:00 p.m. at The Cathedral of Saint Thomas More, The Order of Malta, Northern Virginia Region (Federal Association USA) hosted a special Mass and Anointing of the Sick for those suffering from ailments and infirmities. Over 250 parishioners from across the Diocese filled the Cathedral to receive sacramental anointing and blessings.

The Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Arlington and Conventual Chaplain ad honorem of the Order served as the Principal Celebrant and Homilist. Joining the Bishop from among the Order of Malta Chaplains were Reverend Andrew Fisher (Pastor of St. Ambrose Catholic Church) and Reverend Alexander Drummond (Pastor of St. Michael Catholic Church), who serve as Magistral Chaplains of the Order from the Northern Virginia Region. Reverend Joseph Rampino, Associate Chaplain of the Order, also concelebrated along with Very Reverend Patrick Posey (Rector of the Cathedral); Reverend Nicholas Barnes, Reverend Michael Weston (MC) and Deacon Malcolm D’Souza from the Cathedral.

In his homily, Bishop Burbidge thanked the faithful presenting themselves for the Anointing of the Sick, an act of humility and self-sacrifice. Bishop Burbidge reminded the faithful that in these perilous times, their suffering has tremendous redemptive power for the entire world. While society may ignore the value of suffering, the Church in her wisdom understands the infinite power and value of that suffering when united with the suffering of Christ. 

Kevin Fischer, KM, Regional Hospitaller for Northern Virginia, reflected on the meaning of this special Mass for the faithful. “The Anointing Mass is a wonderful reminder of why we all need Christ in our lives. We will face challenges in life that can be very difficult to deal with, and it is reassuring to know that, through anointing, we can face those challenges with greater ease, knowing that we are loved and cared for by our Lord Jesus Christ. Whether you attend the Mass as someone in need of Anointing because of physical, mental or spiritual difficulties or are here to assist those in need, or be a witness to this Special Mass, we are all reminded of our need for healing and to be mindful of our blessings.”

Hosting this annual Mass and Anointing of the Sick is a major work of the Order of Malta in the Northern Virginia Region, where the members bring the Lourdes Pilgrimage experience to the faithful of Arlington who could not otherwise travel overseas. To identify those in need of sacramental anointing during the Mass, members of the Order distributed special Miraculous Medals on blue ribbons. For children under seven and for those who have not made First Confession, members of the Order provided special Four-Way Medals on red ribbons, so they may receive a special blessing. At the conclusion of the Mass, small bottles of Lourdes water and prayer cards were given to all attending. The faithful were also invited to submit on-line or written prayer intentions, to be placed in the Grotto in Lourdes this May. Members of Order from around the world bring Malades (individuals suffering from illness) to this Marian Shrine every year for physical and spiritual healing.

The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta (more widely known as The Order of Malta) is among the chivalric orders under the Protection of the Apostolic See. As the oldest and one of the largest lay religious orders in Christendom, the regulations governing the Order are based on tenets of the Benedictine Rule. Late in the 11th Century, Blessed Fra’ Gerard and with noble men and women from the Amalfi region of Italy established the first Hospitallers in Jerusalem, to serve those who were making penitential pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The tradition of bringing Malades to Lourdes dates from the late 1950s, when then Grand Master, the Venerable Fra’ Andrew Bertie established the annual world-wide Pilgrimage to Lourdes. In the Northern Virginia Region of the Federal Association USA, more than 100 members serve as Dames, Knights, Candidates, Auxiliary and Volunteer members.

All photos credited to Elizabeth Scheuren, DM.

Please click here for a related article published on The Arlington Catholic Herald.