Event Brings Lourdes Experience to Northern Virginia

On March 17 the Northern Virginia Region hosted a Mass for the Anointing of the Sick for the faithful of the Diocese of Arlington at Saint Ambrose Catholic Church in Annandale, VA. More than 500 people, including more than 40 members and candidates from the Order, took part in this annual event of the region that has consistently drawn large numbers of the faithful.

 

For the second year, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington served as the principal celebrant and homilist. He was joined by his predecessor, Bishop Paul S. Loverde, who is also a conventual chaplain ad honorem, and by magistral chaplains of the Order, including the Very Rev. Andrew Fisher, the Rev. Alexander Drummond, the Rev. Christopher Hayes, and the Rev. Stefan Starzynski. The Rev. Michael Isenberg, assistant director for the Office of Vocations for the diocese, served as the master of ceremonies. 

 

Members of the Northern Virginia Region worked several months preparing for the Mass, extending invitations to the faithful from the diocese, especially to residents of assisted living and long-term care facilities. Members and candidates helped with transportation arrangements to assist those with extraordinary needs. Last year this Mass attracted an estimated 400 people, many of whom received the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. 

 

To identify those desiring the Anointing of the Sick during the Mass, members of the Order distributed large blue-enamel Miraculous Medals on bright blue ribbons. Small bottles of Lourdes water, purchased in Lourdes during the 2017 pilgrimage, were given to everyone in attendance. At the conclusion of the Mass, the congregation was invited to a catered luncheon served by the members.  All those attending were invited to submit written prayer intentions to be placed in the Grotto during this year’s pilgrimage.

 

This work of the Order brings the Lourdes pilgrimage experience to the faithful of Arlington who could not otherwise travel there.

 

For the news article and additional photos published in the Arlington Catholic Herald, please use the link:

https://www.catholicherald.com/News/Local_News/Order_of_Malta_bring_Lourdes_closer_to_home/