Order of Malta to Host Annual Anointing of the Sick Mass with Holy Water from Lourdes
GARDEN GROVE, CALIF., (JANUARY 20, 2017) – The Most Rev. Tod Brown, Bishop Emeritus of Orange, will anoint ill patients with holy oil and bless the hands of caregivers with holy water brought from the consecrated grotto of Massabielle in Lourdes, France. This annual event, hosted by the Orange Chapter of the Order of Malta, is a special opportunity for healing and recognition.
This grotto is the site of 18 appearances of Mary, the mother of Jesus, to St. Bernadette Soubirous in 1858 and is well-known for the divine healing power of its waters.
Event Details
- What: Anointing of the Sick Mass and Blessing of Caregivers
- When: Saturday, February 11, 2017, at 10:00 a.m.
- Where: St. Columban Church in Garden Grove
“Caring for the sick and infirmed is the ministry we are all called to as Christians. As a society many of the dedicated people who care for the most vulnerable are not given the appreciation their service merits. I value the important commitment of caregivers to their ministry and look forward to blessing them with the healing water of Lourdes. I will also anoint several critically ill patients and pray for their spiritual and physical strength,” said Bishop Brown.
About the Anointing of the Sick
The anointing of the sick is administered by an ordained priest through the anointing of the body with holy oil. This rite is one of the seven sacred sacraments. A sacrament is a ritual performed in the Roman Catholic Church to confer grace through the Holy Spirit.
About the Order of Malta
The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and Malta, better known as the Order of Malta, is an ancient religious Catholic Order founded in Jerusalem in 1048 AD. The Order has long focused on its Hospitaller works aimed at helping the sick and the poor, operating in over 40 countries.
The Orange County chapter, with 75 members, is part of the Western Association of the Order in the United States. The Western Association’s charitable activities include volunteer hours and financial contributions in support of:
- Free clinics
- Parish nurse programs
- Disaster relief (Hurricane Katrina, tsunami)
- Pilgrimages to Lourdes
- Grants to local charities
PASTORAL CENTER: COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
13280 CHAPMAN AVENUE, GARDEN GROVE, CA 92840
OFFICE: 714-282-3075
FAX: 714-282-302