Fr Joachim Robert anoints the infirm
By Carmel Dominic
Feb 28 2023
PENANG – The Cathedral of the Holy Spirit celebrated World Day of the Sick on February 11 with Mass for the home-bound, those unable to come for weekly Mass, and the unwell.
Caregivers and members from the Hospitality Ministry were seen assisting the elderly and infirm as they slowly made their way into the church. Parish priest, Fr Joachim Robert, celebrated Mass with priest-in-residence, Fr Francis Anthony, and Fr Esmond Chua from the parish of the Risen Christ, Air Itam, concelebrating.
The Gospel for the day was the wedding feast at Cana, where Jesus performed His first miracle and began His ministry. In his sermon, Fr. Joachim said that just as the guests were invited to the wedding, we too are invited to share in a feast with Jesus during Mass. He also highlighted the similarity between wedding guests meeting and catching up with family and friends after a while and the congregation at this Mass.
“This is a joyous occasion, seeing all of you after a long while.”
He also reminded the afflicted not to take their caregivers and the others who assist them for granted. This happens either when we live in the past or too far into the future that we forget to be present in the moment and see the sacrifices and kindness shown by people around us.
“It’s easy to be consumed by our situation and pain that we forget to be kind to the people trying their best to make us comfortable,” he said.
He added that when we gather for occasions like this, we realise how much we are connected and how much we need each other. He went on to say that sometimes, our challenging situations teach us to be humble and allow others to be a blessing to us when they offer their help and support. Often, we forget how much we are loved and appreciated, and God uses our circumstances to demonstrate His love through the kind acts of others. Fr Joachim ended his sermon by asking the congregation to spend some time in silence to thank God for any two blessings He has bestowed on them in their affliction.
As a show of appreciation, the caregivers and those who see to the nitty-gritty to make things comfortable for the afflicted were asked to stand to receive a special blessing.
After the final blessing, Fr Joachim thanked everyone involved in making the special Mass possible and for assisting the care- givers in bringing in those who needed extra help. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick was administered by the three priests, before everyone went for refreshments at the church café. – Herald Malaysia
