A Celebration of Hope, Healing and Happiness

Mel Ward, the ‘grandmother’ (according to the young people) of Saint John Fisher, Cambourne, reports on the Mass of the Anointing at Our Lady of Lourdes, Sawston.

Although we at St John Fisher, Cambourne, have no resident priest or staff, we are grateful to be part of the wider parish under the care of the ever-faithful Fr John Minh, our Parish Priest based in Sawston – some 20 miles away. Despite the distance, our sense of connection and community remains strong, and events like the Mass of the Anointing are a treasured reminder of our unity in Christ.

Back in April, the community of Our Lady of Lourdes, Sawston, once again opened its doors – and hearts – to host a beautiful Mass of the Anointing, a sacrament cherished deeply by many who face challenges in health or mobility and may otherwise struggle to attend regular Mass. These special liturgies are held approximately every three months, rotating between Our Lady of Lourdes and St Laurence’s in Cambridge.

Fr John presided over a joyful and prayerful celebration, filled with hope in Christ and trust in His healing presence amidst our sufferings. As ever, the sacrament was offered with reverence and compassion, creating a space where the sick, elderly, and those in need of comfort could feel profoundly seen and supported.

Following the Mass, attendees were treated to a generously provided afternoon tea, with plenty of home baking, a cheerful atmosphere, and even a ‘free’ raffle offering delightful prizes. For us in Cambourne – a young and vibrant community still without a church building of our own – being welcomed so warmly by the Sawston parishioners was both humbling and uplifting. The sense of belonging and friendship that grows from such gatherings is one of the true joys of parish life.

A heartfelt thank you goes to all who helped bring the day together: the bakers, servers, musicians, those who set up and cleared away, and all who simply showed up in support. Your selfless service reflects the spirit of our one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church – lived out with dynamic tenderness and care.

In a world often marked by isolation and difficulty, this celebration stood as a beacon of community and Christian love – a gentle reminder that we are never alone.

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