Today, the Connecticut North East Area of the Order of Malta gathered at St Peter Claver Church (West Hartford) to have the annual Lourdes in a Day of prayer.
The Lourdes in a Day is a gesture of prayer whereby we gather those who desire to receive the sacraments of healing. Many who are ill of body and mind or are living with the effects of being a senior and are in need of healing of body, mind and spirit. We offer the sacraments of confession, the Anointing of the Sick, Holy Mass, the rosary, and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. A lunch bag is provided. An additional aspect is the washing of hands with Lourdes water and the writing of ones’ intentions.
The Lourdes in a Day is the child of Mark and Cherith Sullivan, both members of the Order of Malta.
This is my 3rd or 4th time at the Day and I am always very moved by the grace of God poured out upon the participants. From my vantage point I witness to the impact that sacraments and friendship have in the lives of those in need.
Thanks be to God for inspiration the Sullivans have had and the ongoing commitment of the Order of Malta to the spiritual wellbeing of the sick and elderly.