Hundreds Gather At Cathedral In Downtown LA To Observe World Day Of The Sick

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Hundreds of elderly and sick people from across Southern California gathered Saturday to observe World Day of the Sick in downtown Los Angeles.

At 12:30 p.m., Archbishop José H. Gomez administered the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick using Holy Oils at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

Anointing of the Sick is offered to provide strength and prayers to those who are sick through the grace of the Holy Spirit.

"During World Day of the Sick, we ask our Blessed Mother's intercession for all those who are suffering in body, mind, spirit or soul - those who are sick and those who are disabled and those facing any diseases or terminal illnesses," Gomez said. "We pray also for all those who assume the beautiful responsibility of taking care of their own loved ones."

Everyone who attended the Mass received a one-ounce bottle of blessed water from the spring at the grotto in Lourdes, France.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels and the Western Association of the Order of Malta co-hosted the Mass in observance of the 24th annual World Day of the Sick and the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.