February 12, 2020

Annual Mass of Healing and Anointing held at Sacred Heart Parish

REGIONAL
Story and photos by David Martin

Worshipers receive the sacrament of the sick during the annual healing Mass at Sacred Heart Parish in Feeding Hills.

FEEDING HILLS – Approximately 100 people attended the annual Mass of Healing and Anointing celebrated by Father Steven C. Amo, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, which took place at the church at 6 p.m. on Feb. 11.

Father Amo said in his homily that in 1992 then pope and now St. John Paul II instituted this day, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, as the World Day for the Sick. Lourdes, France is famous for the healings that take place there at the grotto where St. Bernadette saw the apparitions of the Virgin Mary.

Father Amo said it is wonderful for those attending the Mass to gather and continue the tradition that the Holy Father began by praying and acknowledging that God offers healing and peace.

“So this evening as we gather here to remember all those who are sick or suffering in any way, let us always remember that God reaches out his hand to touch us all the time, most especially in the sacraments of the church,” said Father Amo. “So make sure you reach out and touch him, because where we touch one another wonderful things can take place, life is given, and people are cured. God be praised.”

After his homily, Father Amo offered prayers for the sick and blessed the oils used for anointing. Brian Hunt, a Sacred Heart parishioner who gave a reading during the Mass, said by following Christ’s teachings to offer compassion and healing, worshipers help to build community.

Hunt, who is in his third year of formation for the permanent diaconate in the Springfield Diocese, said being able to share examples of Christ’s love to one another by praying for each other, and being there when times are tough, is a real opportunity to be like Christ in one’s lifetime. He said the World Day of the Sick Mass offers spiritual healing for those suffering from chronic illness.

“The hope in knowing that we do not suffer alone that there is a promise of tomorrow and what that will bring,” Hunt said. “Hopefully, we find some peace on our pilgrimage while we wait for that expectation. So, I think that is the real benefit of being here.”

Father Steven Amo, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Feeding Hills, gives the homily during the parish’s annual Mass of Healing and Anointing.

Father Amo joined retired priest Father Thomas Shea to perform the sacrament of the sick. Those attending were called to the altar, blessed, and healed by the holy oils. The deacons present also were available to pray for healing with attendees.

Afterward, prayerful intentions were offered for those ailing in mind, body, and spirit, and also the doctors, nurses and those who offer care and compassion for the sick and suffering.

Michael Burke, the Sacred Heart Parish organist, said to gather together and remember the many who are sick and in need of prayer is something that Sacred Heart Parish does best.

“You saw it here tonight, to see the number of people that come, that pray. The laying of the hands took almost 15 minutes which was absolutely great,” said Burke. “We have other events that go on in this parish, including our Faith on Fire event, where we have the laying of hands.”

Burke, who sang a solo hymn during the Healing Mass, said it is a wonderful and hugely successful event and that he has seen it grow over the years. He said he hopes people will mark their calendars to attend next year on the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes, Feb. 11, 6 p.m. at Sacred Heart Parish in Feeding Hills.

A video version of this story will be featured on an upcoming edition of “Real to Reel” which airs Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. on WWLP-22 NEWS and in the Berkshires Sunday mornings at 5:30 on Albany’s Fox 23, WXXA.