Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

ORLANDO | The Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe in Orlando hosted its first Pilgrimage of the Sick on Feb. 10. Inspired by his own pilgrimage to Lourdes in 2023, Father Anthony Aarons, Missionary of Mercy and rector of the Basilica, wanted to bring the same experience of healing and anointing to central Florida.

Father Aarons, reflecting on his visit to Lourdes, said, "It’s not Lourdes, but it’s close." He was moved by the lines of people waiting to be anointed and healed of their afflictions, and he believed that miracles were occurring in central Florida as well. Thus, the first Pilgrimage of the Sick in the Diocese of Orlando was inaugurated.

Pilgrims gathered at the basilica on the World Day of the Sick and the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes to pray the rosary and receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, and Eucharist. Father Miguel González, rector of St. James Cathedral, also attended the pilgrimage and addressed the faithful. He spoke about the graces that a person with an illness receives when they pray and surrender themselves to God's presence.

Father González emphasized the dual role of the person with an illness, saying, "He is not only evangelized by the support of the people, family, friends, and others praying for them, but he is also an evangelizer because he’s bringing them to prayer and he’s giving witness of his great trust and confidence in the healing power of God."

Father Aarons, who anointed many individuals with various conditions, including young people with cancer and the elderly in wheelchairs, was deeply moved by their sincere faith. He invoked the healing power of Jesus through the Eucharist and anointing, reminding those in pain or distress that they are chosen among the blessed and are united to Christ in His suffering for the salvation of the world.

Mary Regina Harms, who attended the pilgrimage with an impending surgery, was moved to tears during the Mass and anointing. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to participate and acknowledged the great need in the community, as evidenced by the more than 400 attendees and the more than 200 individuals who received the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.

Guerda Jean-Pierre, another participant, prayed for her own healing and that of her 4-year-old granddaughter, who was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. She said, "They say there is no cure for it, but I know God is the God of the impossible." Jean-Pierre found peace during the pilgrimage and hoped that it would extend to her entire family. She described the experience as beautiful, reinforcing their faith in God and giving them hope.

The Pilgrimage of the Sick at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe will become an annual event, offering the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, and Eucharist to all those in search of peace. The inaugural pilgrimage was a grace-filled and transformative experience for many, reminding them of the healing power of God and the importance of trust and faith in times of affliction.

Source: Glenda Meekins of the Florida Catholic staff, February 15, 2024.