the healing church
"I will come and cure him." —Matthew 8:7
Before Holy Communion, we Catholics say: "Only say the word, and I shall be healed" (see Mt 8:8). At this most precious moment in our lives, we remind ourselves of Jesus' healing power. Before the Holy Eucharist touches our mouth, we say: "I shall be healed." We've said it thousands of times.
Obviously, we Catholics believe in healing. We even have a special sacrament focusing on healing serious physical problems. For a saint to be canonized, a number of miraculous healings attributed to him or her must be scientifically proven. The largest healing service in the world is celebrated annually in Catholic Churches on February 3rd, St. Blase Day. Lourdes is the healing center of the world. Our sacramentals, especially holy water, are for healing. Our relics are similar to the healing ministry of St. Paul (Acts 19:12).
Traditional Catholics can appear fanatical, even to other healing churches. Nobody but us uses water, candles, bones, and pieces of cloth to heal. Our traditions proclaim loud and clear: We are a healing Church.
Prayer: Father, may I be a traditional Catholic and an enthusiastic healer.
Promise: "Rise up, shrill in the night, at the beginning of every watch; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord; lift up your hands to Him for the lives of your little ones." —Lam 2:19
Praise: The First Martyrs of Rome have healed countless others through their lives and deaths. They came from all classes of Roman society — soldiers, peasants, nobility, and merchants.
Reference: (For related teaching, order our booklet, Healing: The Imitation of Christ, or our tape series on How to Heal in Jesus' Name, either a six-part audio series starting with AV 11A-1 or a three-part video series starting with V-11A.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 29, 2012
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.