The annual Mass and Anointing of the Sick, hosted by the Order of Malta’s Northern Virginia Region, drew more than 200 people to the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington March 20 — meeting for the first time in person in two years because of pandemic-related restrictions.
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, celebrant and homilist, commended those combatting illness for offering their pain and suffering in union with the Lord and his cross. He also thanked the Order of Malta for its good work in the diocese.
Those who are sick are very close to the Lord at this moment in their lives, Bishop Burbidge said. He encouraged them to offer their sufferings for the needs of the church, especially at this time, when so many in the church need healing and transformation.
“This Mass just shows me that in this time of crisis in the church, Jesus and his church are so strong and alive,” said Laura Mead, the Order of Malta’s hospitaller for Northern Virginia. “It’s important in these times to run to the sacraments and to continue to trust that Our Lord will always care for us — our physical needs, our spiritual needs and any other needs that we have.”
Knights, Dames and volunteers from the order provided Lourdes water to those in attendance. After Mass, prayer petitions were written on postcards and collected from those unable to travel to the Grotto in Lourdes. The Knights of Malta will deliver the intentions during a pilgrimage and mail postcards from Lourdes to individual petitioners.
Assisting with Mass and administering the sacramental anointing were Bishop Emeritus Paul S. Loverde; Father Andrew J. Fisher, pastor of St. Ambrose Church in Annandale; Father Patrick L. Posey, rector of the Cathedral of St. Thomas More; and Father Michael D. Weston, diocesan director of divine worship.
