Pilgrimage Petitions Gathered at Anointing Mass

The DC and Montgomery County regions of the Order held their 12^th Annual Lourdes Anointing Mass March 17^th at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Potomac, MD.  Over 300 malades and companions attended, along with more than 30 members of the Order to assist. The Mass was concelebrated by seven priests, with Bishop Mario Dorsonville, auxiliary of the Archdiocese of Washington, as the main celebrant, and Father Bill Byrne, pastor, as the homilist. 

Those being anointed were given Lourdes water from last year’s pilgrimage, a Miraculous Medal, and an Our Lady of Lourdes Holy Card. Petitions were filled out during the morning for delivery to the Grotto on this year’s pilgrimage this May. 

The power of the Sacrament of Anointing could be felt throughout the Mass as the priests first went out into the congregation to pray and lay hands over those seeking the Sacrament, then placed the oil on the forehead and hands along with prayer as the second part of the sacrament. All of those attending were praying for those receiving the sacrament for healing or for acceptance of their condition, as Christ did with his suffering on the cross.

The day ended with a complimentary lunch for everyone. The lunch is a lovely time to make new friends throughout the Archdiocese of Washington, meet new pilgrims going to Lourdes, visit with those from past pilgrimages, and introduce family and friends to members of the Order. God blessed us with a day of beautiful weather and the opportunity to share His healing power with many.