Many St. Joseph’s University Medical Center patients and staff in Paterson enjoyed a visit from Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney on Feb. 11 for the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and World Day of Prayer for the Sick.
Bishop Sweeney visited Catholic patients in their rooms, talking and praying in English or Spanish. He also gave them blessings and, in some instances, the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. The bishop also visited some patients, doctors, nurses, and other hospital emergency department staff.
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Dr. Dustin Riccio, president and CEO of St. Joseph’s Health; Sister of Charity Patricia Mennor, vice president of mission of St. Joseph’s Health; and Deacon Lawrence Duffy, pastoral care director, led Bishop Sweeney around the hospital.
Since the apparition of our Blessed Mother to St. Bernadette on Feb. 11, 1858, “Lourdes” has been a place of pilgrimage and miraculous healing. On her feast day, the faithful pray for the sick and those who care for them, asking the intercession of our Blessed Mother for healing and peace.
Established by St. Pope John Paul II, World Day of the Sick honors those facing illness and the providers who support them with expertise and compassion and reminds the faithful about the power of prayer and healing.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
