Report by Sauro Antonelli

Members of the Order know well the importance that Lourdes has for the Order and many of its members have taken part in the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes. Unfortunately, many of our elderly, because of age and/or infirmity, will never have the opportunity to visit Lourdes. So, in Victoria, the Order has set up a program where Lourdes comes to the elderly.

Each month, the Order organises a Mass at a different Catholic aged care home and the Mass is celebrated by one of the Order’s chaplains. At the conclusion of the Mass those present are either individually blessed by the celebrant with Lourdes water or is anointed with Holy Oils. As well, each resident receives a “gift pack” containing a small bottle of Lourdes water, rosary beads and some prayer materials.

On 13th August 2019, the Lourdes Mass was celebrated at the Italian aged care facility, the Assisi Centre, by the Order’s Conventual Chaplain Ad Honorem, Bishop Terry Curtin. Over 150 people were present at the Mass and Bishop Terry, in immaculate Italian, gave the homily on the Assumption which was to be celebrated two days later.

A special thanks to Confrere David Blackwell for his excellent organisation of the annual Lourdes Masses at the various aged care centres.

Learn about upcoming Lourdes Day Mass celebrations.