Westminster: Mass in Honour of Our Lady of Lourdes

Cardinal Nichols anointing the sick

Cardinal Vincent Nichols was principal celebrant at the Mass in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes at Westminster Cathedral on 7 February 2015, marking the Day of Prayer for the Sick. Concelebrants included Auxiliary Bishops of Westminster Rt Rev John Sherrington and Rt Rev Nicholas Hudson, and Bishop of the Forces, Rt Rev Richard Moth, who is the lead bishop for the Bishops’ Conference Mental Health Project, as well as several priests of the Diocese, including Fr Dennis Touw, the Director of the Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage. The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick was given by the celebrants during the Mass.

Usually heard at the Dismissal, the Mass had as its theme this year, the phrase ‘Go in peace glorifying the Lord by your life’. Reflecting on these words, Cardinal Vincent explained in his introduction: ‘There is a wonderful exchange: when we give of ourselves in loving service to our sick brothers and sisters, recognising in them the beauty of Christ, we receive from them, from Christ present in their suffering, the gift of becoming more like Christ ourselves! Our sick brothers and sisters are not, then, a burden to be avoided, rather a valuable gift to be welcomed.’

As the Mass honours Our Lady of Lourdes, in his homily the Cardinal reflected on the role of Mary as our mother: "We remember that it is she who responds with such astonishing generosity to the sick and the burdened who come to her in Lourdes. She raises their spirits with her glance of love. Her loving presence is reflected a thousand, thousand times in the faces, the hearts and the hands of all who care for the sick both in Lourdes and at home, for she is mother to every helper, inspiring and guiding them in every action."

Source: Archbishops House