GLASSBORO – On the day set aside to pray for the ill and recognize the face of Christ in all who suffer, 84-year-old Annadora Shipley received the laying on of hands and Anointing of the Sick.
“Every prayer counts,” said Shipley, of Saint Bridget University Parish in Glassboro, who struggles with arthritis in her spine, and neuropathy in her legs, feet and hands. Her sister Genie Diraddo, 88, who is almost blind and has cancer of the blood, sat next to her.
“God has blessed us in many, many ways. We believe that the Lord will heal us, if it is His will. We ask, though, that he make us a little better, at least, so we can take care of ourselves and be self-sufficient,” said Shipley.
The sisters were among the more than 400 people who attended the annual Healing Mass, celebrated by Bishop Joseph Williams on Feb. 11, the World Day of the Sick. Sponsored by VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services Diocese of Camden, the Mass was celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish. Eight priests of the Diocese assisted the Bishop with the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.
“Jesus heals in powerful and miraculous ways. Nobody does the marvels that He does,” Bishop Williams preached in his homily.
Noting the healings Jesus bestowed during His ministry 2,000 years ago, the Bishop said that “these miracles are not confined to the past.” They still take place today, as signs “that the kingdom of God [can] break into this world.”
As the Mass came on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, Bishop Williams noted that pilgrims still travel to the place where the Blessed Mother Mary appeared to 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous in 1858.
In the springs from which the Virgin Mary asked the young girl to drink is a mystery that can still confound all those looking for God’s graces, Bishop Williams said. Many who make their way to Lourdes aren’t healed, “at least in the physical and miraculous sense.”
Similarly, he implored all to remember the words and belief of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, who had tuberculosis. When asked by her mother superior if she wanted a long life, Saint Thérèse responded, “I don’t want a long life, and I don’t want a short life. God does what He wills, and I love what He does.”
“By offering your pain and suffering, you come here with the faith that Jesus heals,” Bishop Williams said. “If you give us a miracle, Lord, it is for your glory.”
Eighty-four-year-old William Idnay, from Church of the Holy Family in Sewell, was thankful for the blessings received during the Healing Mass.
A survivor of prostate cancer, and dealing with vertigo, he hoped that “the Lord heals me of all sickness, and gives me a long life so I can help others, and see my two grandchildren [ages 9 and 5] grow.”
Julie Landis, of Saint Rose of Lima Parish in Haddon Heights, has congestive heart failure and mobility issues. She said she felt the presence of the Holy Spirit, and recalled Jesus’ own words to His followers.
“He came that I might have life, and have it more abundantly,” she said. “He is my Lord, my healer, my everything.”
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
