The liturgy opened with a spirit of quiet reverence, as many present came seeking comfort, strength and spiritual renewal. This annual celebration, inspired by the apparitions of Our Lady to Saint Bernadette in Lourdes, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of the faithful, particularly those carrying illness or the burdens of age.
The first reading from Isaiah (66:10–14) set a tender tone. The prophet speaks of Jerusalem as a mother who comforts her children: “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.” These words resonated deeply in a cathedral filled with those in need of reassurance. The image of God’s maternal care reflected beautifully the compassion associated with Our Lady of Lourdes, whose intercession is sought by countless pilgrims each year. The promise of peace, consolation and renewal offered through Isaiah reminded all present that God’s care is intimate and personal, especially in times of suffering.
The Gospel reading from John (2:1–11), recounting the wedding feast at Cana, further enriched the message of the day. In this familiar passage, Mary notices a need before anyone else and brings it to the attention of her Son: “They have no wine.” Her quiet intercession leads to Christ’s first miracle, transforming water into wine. This Gospel beautifully mirrors the role of Our Lady in the lives of the faithful, attentive and compassionate, always directing hearts towards her Son. It also echoes the hope that Christ can transform situations of emptiness, illness or struggle into moments of grace and renewal.
Following the homily, attention turned to the rite of Anointing. Bowls of oil were brought before Bishop Peter. Though the oil had already been blessed, the Bishop offered the prayer of thanksgiving over it, invoking God’s continued grace upon those who would receive this sacrament.
One by one, the faithful who wished to came forward. In a moving procession, they were anointed with the blessed oil by Bishop Peter or a priest. The atmosphere in the Cathedral was one of profound stillness and prayer. For many, this moment was deeply personal, an encounter with Christ’s healing presence through the ministry of the Church.
This annual Mass is always a poignant occasion in the diocesan calendar. It stands as a visible sign of the Church’s care for those who suffer and as a reminder that no one bears illness or frailty alone. In honouring Our Lady of Lourdes, the faithful were encouraged to place their trust in her intercession and in the healing grace of her Son.
As the congregation departed, there was a quiet sense of peace, a shared understanding that through prayer, sacrament and community, God’s comfort and strength had been made present in a very tangible way.
