Anointing of the Sick/Blessing of Hands
To honor Our Lady on the World Day for the Sick, our morning Liturgy included the anointing of the sick during Mass. Father James Butler, from the Fall River Diocese, joined us for the day to assist in our healing services.
In the afternoon, our employees, AJJ, volunteers and Sisters were invited to attend a Caregivers Blessing of Hands Prayer Service. The Caregivers Blessing, recited together, reminded all that, “we have been called upon to help another, a call we have accepted.”
Following the opening prayer by Fr. James Butler, he read the gospel of the Good Samaritan and encouraged everyone to be like the Good Samaritan and to “Go and do likewise.” He also reflected on the spiritual value of care for the sick and infirm and the unity of purpose which gathers us all together in the spirit of St. Jeanne Jugan.
The responsorial psalm was read by another AJJ to which everyone responded “Lord, give success to the work of our hands.”
An employee representing each department then came forward with a symbol of their service at Jeanne Jugan Residence.
After the Presentation of Symbols each employee came forward to receive the Blessing of Hands and holy oil. A closing prayer, recited together, acknowledged our unity of purpose and the sacredness of our actions which bind us together in sharing Blessings in the gift of ourselves.
“Lord, give success to the work of our hands”. Amen.
Blessing of Hands