Feast of our Lady of Lourdes Prayer Services Celebrate 175th Anniversary of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine
On the Feast of our Lady of Lourdes on February 11, Regina Health Center celebrated the 175th anniversary of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine (CSA) with a full afternoon prayer service beginning with thanksgiving to the CSAs, anointing of the sick and adoration. An afternoon Vespers & Benediction then followed.
Thanks to our celebrants, lectors & anointing priests: Fr. Jamie Mazanec, Fr. Ralph Thomas, Fr. Michael Franz, Fr. Elmer Marquard, Fr. Paul Bernier, Fr. Jim Marsick, Deacon Mark Yantek and Sr. Judith Ann Karam, CSA.
We honored the CSA’s humble beginnings called to Cleveland’s early streets, hospitals, homes, social justice services and all things charity that span generations. We pray for blessings on their legacy. We pray to strengthen those who carry the mission forward today that they may serve with the same bold faith, quiet courage, and deep love for all. One loving heart sets another on fire!
The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes is celebrated annually on February 11, commemorating the first of 18 appearances of the Blessed Virgin Mary to 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France, in 1858. Recognized as a patroness of the sick, this feast day coincides with the World Day of the Sick, established by Pope John Paul II.
In his introduction at the first prayer service for the Anointing of the sick, Deacon Mark Yantek said, "God of boundless love and mercy, we lift up our hearts in thanksgiving for 175 years of grace, for the courageous women who crossed oceans and boundaries to bring your healing presence to the sick, the poor and the forgotten. You have worked through the hands and hearts of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine. Their lives have been a living prayer – a testament to Your call: 'In all things, charity.' Bless their legacy, Lord, and the countless lives touched by their compassion. Strengthen those who carry the mission forward today – that they may serve with the same bold faith, the same quiet courage, and the same deep love for those most in need. May their story continue to inspire us to see Christ in the poor, to walk humbly with the suffering and to build a world where mercy reigns."
You can watch videos of both services here:
- Feast of Our Lay of Lourdes: Anointing of The Sick
- Feast of Our Lay of Lourdes: Vespers & Benediction
Learn more about the 175th anniversary of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine by clicking here.