by Staff Reports – December 11, 2023 – Catholic Star Herald
CHERRY HILL – On the evening of Nov. 29, VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services Diocese of Camden held a healing Mass of Hope, Thanksgiving and Remembrance for cancer patients, survivors and families who have lost a loved one to cancer.
The Mass was celebrated in Christ our Light Church by Father Robert Hughes, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Diocese of Camden, and included the Anointing of the Sick for all gathered who are currently battling cancer.
During his homily, Father Hughes noted his own cancer fight and how he drew strength from fellow patients he met during treatment, “because fully awakened by their pain, they rose to the challenge and decided to fight … for their way of life, and most importantly, for those they love.”
“Sickness is a pain that awakens us to what the Lord is doing in our lives … we are called patients because we have to be patient … and allow others, most especially the Lord, to help us,” he said.
Nicole Keefer, RN, BSN, director of parish nursing for VITALity, said she was gratified to see so many families attend the healing Mass, the largest gathering since the Masses began several years ago. “We created this evening of prayer and fellowship to offer the patients, survivors and their families a place to come together, be present with the Lord and receive the blessings of receiving the anointing of Holy Oil for the Sacrament of the Sick. We were very pleased to see so many people came out and availed themselves of the opportunity.”
VITALity expects to hold its next healing Mass in late 2024.
