Bishop Blesses Sick, Says Jesus Heals in Powerful Ways

Annual Healing Mass draws over 400 to receive Anointing of the Sick

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Bishop Joseph Williams celebrated the annual Healing Mass on the World Day of the Sick, anointing over 180 people and preaching that "Jesus heals in powerful and miraculous ways." The Mass, held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Glassboro, New Jersey, drew a crowd of more than 400 people seeking healing, including 84-year-old Annadora Shipley and her sister Genie Diraddo.

Why it matters

The Healing Mass is an annual event organized by the Diocese of Camden's VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services to provide the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick and pray for those suffering from illness. It reflects the Catholic Church's belief in the healing power of Christ and the importance of caring for the sick and infirm.

The details

During the Mass, Bishop Williams anointed the hands of those seeking healing with Holy Oil and preached about the miracles of Jesus, saying "these miracles are not confined to the past" and that the "kingdom of God [can] break into this world" through God's healing power. Eight priests assisted the Bishop in administering the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick to 183 people.

  • The Healing Mass was celebrated on February 11, 2026, the World Day of the Sick.
  • The Mass took place at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Glassboro, New Jersey.

The players

Bishop Joseph Williams

The Bishop of the Diocese of Camden who celebrated the Healing Mass and preached about the healing power of Jesus.

Annadora Shipley

An 84-year-old parishioner of Saint Bridget University Parish in Glassboro who struggles with arthritis and neuropathy, and attended the Healing Mass seeking healing.

Genie Diraddo

Annadora Shipley's 88-year-old sister, who is almost blind and has cancer of the blood, and attended the Healing Mass with her sister.

William Idnay

An 84-year-old parishioner of the Church of the Holy Family in Sewell, a survivor of prostate cancer who also deals with vertigo, and attended the Healing Mass seeking healing.

Julie Landis

A parishioner of Saint Rose of Lima Parish in Haddon Heights who has congestive heart failure and mobility issues, and attended the Healing Mass.

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What they’re saying

“Every prayer counts,”

— Annadora Shipley (catholicstarherald.org)

“God has blessed us in many, many ways. We believe that the Lord will heal us, if it is His will. We ask, though, that he make us a little better, at least, so we can take care of ourselves and be self-sufficient,”

— Annadora Shipley (catholicstarherald.org)

“Jesus heals in powerful and miraculous ways. Nobody does the marvels that He does,”

— Bishop Joseph Williams (catholicstarherald.org)

“I don't want a long life, and I don't want a short life. God does what He wills, and I love what He does.”

— Saint Thérèse of Lisieux (catholicstarherald.org)

“He came that I might have life, and have it more abundantly,”

— Julie Landis (catholicstarherald.org)

The takeaway

The Healing Mass reflects the Catholic Church's belief in the healing power of Christ and the importance of caring for the sick and infirm. By offering prayers and receiving the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, those in attendance sought God's healing grace, trusting in His will and the promise of abundant life in Christ.