Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

The Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe hosted its second annual Pilgrimage of the Sick on February 15, 2025. Attendees included individuals seeking healing and hope, alongside those praying for others.

Father Anthony Aarons, basilica rector and Missionary of Mercy, initiated the event with a talk on suffering. He shared personal challenges, including recent illness and the loss of his younger brother. “Sickness is a reality,” he stated. “We either run away from it or run toward it. In embracing it we realize we are not traveling alone.”

Father Miguel González from St. James Cathedral recounted his experience with multiple sclerosis diagnosed at age 37. He emphasized personal responsibility in health but also acknowledged that some illnesses offer opportunities for spiritual growth. “Illnesses are opportunities for redemption, for us to feel the transformative, healing power of a God who loves us,” he explained.

Recalling advice from Msgr. Ed Thompson during his diagnosis, Father González shared how he learned to "embrace the gift" and join sufferings with Christ's. This perspective led to increased vocations and using his condition as prayer for others.

He encouraged viewing suffering as a way to strengthen faith and connect with Christ's sacrifice on the cross. “Fix your eyes on the cross of Jesus...He is closer than we can imagine," he urged attendees.

Citing Pope Francis, Father González declared hope as embodied in Jesus Christ: "The gift of hope does not disappoint because hope is a person."

Post-talk activities included receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation and praying a rosary in multiple languages.

Attendee Sally Pickering prayed for her husband and her own health issues, while Father Aarons noted returning participants sharing gratitude for past reliefs. Wanda Arce attended on behalf of her daughter Sarai, who has osteogenesis imperfecta.

Pilgrimage organizer Father Aarons was inspired by a visit to Lourdes to start this annual event held after Our Lady of Lourdes' feast day on February 11.