LEWISTON — In observance of the World Day of the Sick, Bishop Robert Deeley is scheduled to celebrate a Mass of the Anointing of the Sick at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, at the Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul on 122 Ash St.
The World Day of the Sick, held Feb. 11, was introduced by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1992, who called upon the faithful to pray and reflect on those who are sick and struggling, according to a news release from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland. The day coincides with the Catholic Church’s celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, and recognizes and honors all who serve as caregivers.
During the Mass, Deeley will anoint the sick, administered to individuals suffering from deteriorating physical, emotional or mental illness. It is also administered to those experiencing a sudden medical crisis or scheduled for surgery, even routine procedures.
In addition, the sacrament is appropriate for elderly weakened by advanced age or suffering from chronic or long-term illnesses. Anyone struggling or recovering from alcoholism or other addictions can also be anointed, as can individuals being treated with chemotherapy, radiation or physical therapies.
“It was instituted to remind us all that those who are sick and suffering are in need of our care and our prayer,” said Deeley. “In the celebration of the World Day of the Sick, we also remind ourselves that the sick are part of the church. Visiting the sick, comforting the dying and the sorrowing, caring for the poor and those in need of shelter. This is mercy, and mercy, after all, is the form that love takes when it encounters misery and suffering, and seeks, with compassion, to heal that misery.”
In addition to the Mass in Lewiston, several other Masses of the Anointing of the Sick are planned in Maine this weekend. All are welcome at any Mass:
• Belfast: St. Francis of Assisi Church, 81 Court St., 8 a.m. Friday, Feb. 11;
• Houlton: St. Mary of the Visitation Church, 112 Military St., noon Friday, Feb. 11; and
• South Portland: Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Road, 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 12.
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