Lift It Up for the Greater Glory of God

On February 11, the Columbus Region gathered for its Mass of the Anointing of the Sick.  Fr. Joshua Wagner, pastor of Holy Rosary/St. John the Evangelist Church, concelebrated with Magistral Chaplain Fr. Thomas Blau, OP.  Holy Rosary/St. John the Evangelist parish is home to the Order of Malta Center of Care, which added a special dimension to the morning celebration with the parish’s amazing gospel choir.

During his homily, Fr. Blau spoke tenderly of our need as Catholics to shoulder the crosses God lays at our feet and our obligation to help lighten that burden for one another.  He implored the congregation to remember that we are never alone in our suffering because Jesus Himself walked among us, sharing in our suffering and daily conditions.  Therefore, when we confront our own ailments and tribulations, we must “lift it up” and play our part in living Christ’s message of compassion and redemption.  Speaking pointedly to those awaiting the Anointing, Father reminded us that sometimes we are called to a sacrifice of pain and suffering in communion with Christ, but that even He asked for the cup to pass as we ourselves emulate in the Sacrament of the Anointing.

In a magnificent outpouring of grace, more than 150 people came forward following the homily to receive the Anointing of the Sick.  The Columbus Region also provided a book of intentions for people to record the names of friends and loved ones in need of prayer for healing and comfort.  The book, which quickly filled with names, will remain in the parish throughout the Lenten season.  The Knights and Dames of the Columbus Region as well as the parishioners of Holy Rosary/St. John the Evangelist will continue to pray for those individuals throughout the Lenten season.

Following Mass, Knights and Dames distributed nearly 100 bottles of Lourdes water and 150 yellow roses to honor of Our Lady’s Feast Day.  Everyone in attendance was also invited next door to the Order of Malta Center of Care for a reception and open house.

Those gathered for the reception were introduced to Christian James, a Malade from the Order’s 2016 Pilgrimage to Lourdes. He graciously traveled up from Cincinnati to share his stirring testimony to the healing grace of Lourdes. It was a beautiful presentation laced with humor and tears and it provided a most fitting conclusion to a morning filled with healing joy and true community.

To learn more about the Order of Malta Center of Care, please visit www.centerofcare.org or follow it on Facebook.