MASS FOR THE SICK AT NEW MILTON

It's Sunday afternoon, and we're all off to Our Lady of Lourdes Church at New Milton to receive the Sacrament of the Sick at the annual Healing Mass there. As we go, we pick up passengers from their homes.

 Now we've arrived in the Church car park, and we're unloading. Some have to use the tail lift to get out. It's like Everest - the hard bit is coming down! Here's Elisa (she's loving it, really) supported by Frances.

Before the Mass begins, the priests present lay their hands on the sick, and on the other members of the congregation. Here Fr Danny is anointing Jerome, first his forehead, then the palms of his hands.

After Mass is over, a nice cup of tea and a chat with Margaret, Joan, Elisa, Kate and Ramona. What happy smiles! You must all be well healed now. No, ladies, I said "healed".

Here's Bertie, the volunteer driver of the minibus, behind his escort Denis, and they think they're going to be allowed to join the bunfight as well. I'm not sure about this. Just wait there for a bit, fellows, while we process your applications and make sure your CRB forms are in order. Oh, sorry, have the cakes all gone? Never mind, chaps. After all, you only do it for the love of it, don't you!

At last our Frances has managed to catch Fr Gerry, the man responsible for directing today's Healing Mass. Look where she found him! In the kitchen, with his splendid team of helpers Margaret, Christine, Audrey and Mary who produced all those cakes and lots of lovely smiles as they served our cups of tea. Thank you all at Our Lady of Lourdes for a great afternoon. We feel better already!
                                                                      last three photos by Frances