Anointing of the Sick
About This Sacrament
Sacraments of Healing
The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick confers a special grace which unites the sick person more intimately to the Passion of Christ for his good and for the good of all the Church.
Through the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, the Church commends those who are dangerously ill to the suffering and glorified Lord. Having received from the Lord the charge to heal the sick, the Church strives to carry it out by taking care of the sick and accompanying them with her prayer of intercession. This sacrament was instituted by Christ and is attested by Saint James: "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call in the presbyters of the Church and let them pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord."
iKey Aspects
- Any member of the faithful can receive this sacrament as soon as they begin to be in danger of death because of sickness or old age.
- This sacrament can be administered only by priests (bishops or presbyters).
- The celebration consists essentially in an anointing with oil on the forehead and hands accompanied by prayer.
- If possible, the celebration should be preceded by individual confession by the sick person.
+Graces & Effects
- Unites the sick person more intimately to the Passion of Christ
- Gives comfort, peace, courage and forgiveness of sins
- Can bring about the restoration of physical health if it is God's will
- Prepares the sick person for the journey to the Father's House
Schedule
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Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 313-320