The 420-year-old Bandel Church here observed the 27th 'World Day of the Sick' Monday with special prayers, the church said in a release.

Apart from prayers for healing, it also anointed 50 sick people.

Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of the Catholic Church that is administered to a Catholic "who, having reached the age of reason, begins to be in danger due to sickness or old age".

A commemorative 4x6 mural, created by Church Art of Kolkata - depicting the story of Good Samaritan, a parable of Jesus Christ - was unveiled by Papal delegate Cardinal Patrick DRozario of Dhaka.

"Some 200 international and national delegates arrived in Kolkata," said Prior of Bandel Basilica Father T L Francis.

The Bandel Church was chosen for the conclusion of World Day of the Sick as people of all faiths visit this Shrine to seek favours.

February 11 marks the date of the miraculous apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Lourdes in France. On this day, sick people come in large numbers to experience miraculous healing.

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