CAREY, OHIO—A special Hope and Healing Mass is to be offered at 7 p.m. Oct. 12 and a Mass for expectant parents at 7 p.m. Oct. 19 at Carey Our Lady of Consolation.

The first Mass, to be celebrated by the Conventual Franciscan Friars, focuses on those afflicted with cancer, survivors of the disease and their loved ones. All are invited to participate in this Mass.

“The Basilica and National Shrine has been very well known as a place of healing,” says Conventural Franciscan Father John Stowe, rector of the shrine. “We are blessed to have [Conventual Franciscan] Father John Raphael Hadnagy, who began these healing Masses during his time as rector, to be the celebrant and homilist for this special Mass.”

The Mass is dedicated especially to those whose lives have been affected by cancer.

“Cancer can be a terrible disease that affects almost everyone, directly or indirectly,” Fr. Stowe says. “It leaves so many people in need of prayer and comfort, because of the disease itself and the feelings of fear and helplessness it causes.”

Following Mass, the friars are to be available for special healing prayers with individual visitors and families. The sacrament of anointing of the sick is also to be available.

The Mass for expectant parents is offered on the feast of St. Gerard Majella, patron of motherhood. The celebration is for those who are expecting a child or trying to have one.

Both of these prayer opportunities are open to the public. For more information, contact the shrine’s pilgrimage director, Conventual Franciscan Brother Randy Kin, at 419-396-7107, or visit www.olcshrine.com.