Day of Prayer for the Sick at CDM Penang

Sep 01, 2023

PENANG: Fifty people were administered the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick at the Church of the Divine Mercy (CDM) August 19 .

Seven non-Catholics in poor health who came for Mass, were given a blessing instead of anointing. After each anointing and blessing, they were given a souvenir prayer card of St Teresa of Calcutta that contained a third-class relic from her blanket.

In his homily, CDM parish priest, Fr Michael Raymond OFM Cap, reminded the congregation of God’s unconditional outpouring of love in all circumstances. But to receive this love, we need to have faithfulness. He explained that when the anointing is carried out, three moments may be experienced. First, a laying of hands and a prayer is recited where the priest, as well as the community present, will pray for the person. Secondly, the possibility of a profound encounter with God, based upon one's faith, without which, it will only be a ritual. Lastly, the anointing with Chrism oil on the forehead and hands signifies a release of divine healing and strength.

We are reminded in the Gospel that we need to be like little children in trusting and placing our total confidence in the Lord. To achieve this, we need to have three prerequisites. The initial one is the humility to know that we are nothing before the Lord. The second is to persevere in the light of temptations and weaknesses. And lastly, to have faithfulness and be steadfast for Him to bless you. The Psalm of the day reminds us we need to let God be our inheritance.

At the end of Mass, Fr Michael invited the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to assemble at the front of the sanctuary to receive a special blessing as they renewed their commitment to serving the church community. There were also the ones who planned the event.

Each person who came for anointing also received a food packet as a parting gift.

It was encouraging to note that this event attracted even the non-Catholics within the community.