Novena to Saint Ann - Day 2, Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Today we had the blessing of Saint Ann Oil. Saint Ann Oil by tradition is most like baby oil so that is what is used.

Given the symbolism of oil and healing, we had a guest presider today, the priest who is the director of diocesan hospital ministries.

He gave a really thoughtprovoling reflection on healing (in contrast to cure) and as part of his words read an excerpt from an article in the recent Saint Anthony Messenger about a young married couple and their journey with healing.

One of the basic messages was that healing is available to all who open to receive it even if cures and miracles aren't always part of God's plan in a case. To some degree this is an oversimplification of the message, but it's the part that most clearly has stuck with me for now so here I share it.