Anointing of the Sick

The Anointing of the Sick is one of the seven sacraments in the Catholic Church, specifically categorized as a sacrament of healing. It is intended to provide spiritual and sometimes physical strength during an individual's serious illness or near the time of death.

Significance and Theology
  • Healing and Strength: The sacrament offers God's grace for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing, providing comfort and strength to the sick.
  • Union with Christ’s Suffering: It unites the sick person more closely with Christ’s own passion and suffering.
  • Preparation for Passing: When administered near the time of death, it prepares the soul for its final journey, giving grace for a peaceful and holy death.

Symbols and Elements
  1. Oil of the Sick: The main symbol used in the sacrament, it represents healing, strengthening, and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
  2. Laying on of Hands: A symbol of invoking the Holy Spirit and conveying God’s healing power.

Ritual
  1. Introductory Rites: The sacrament usually begins with a greeting, followed by sprinkling with holy water, which recalls Baptism.
  2. Confession: If the sick person is able, they may confess their sins before receiving the sacrament.
  3. Scripture Reading: Relevant passages from the Bible are read, emphasizing God’s mercy and the healing power of faith.
  4. Laying on of Hands: The priest lays his hands on the head of the sick person, invoking the Holy Spirit.
  5. Prayer of Faith: The priest and those present pray for the sick person, asking for God’s help and healing.
  6. Anointing with Oil: The priest anoints the forehead and hands of the sick person with the Oil of the Sick, while saying: "Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up. Amen."
  7. Concluding Prayer: The rite concludes with prayers, including the Lord’s Prayer, and may include the reception of Holy Communion, known as Viaticum if the person is near death.

Preparation and Requirements
  • Serious Illness or Old Age: The sacrament is intended for those seriously ill, undergoing major surgery, or experiencing the frailty of old age.
  • State of Grace: If possible, the individual should be in a state of grace, often achieved through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
  • Faith and Intent: The person should have a belief in the sacrament's efficacy and a desire to receive its grace.

Effects of the Anointing of the Sick
  1. Union with Christ: Strengthens the person's connection with the suffering Christ.
  2. Peace and Courage: Provides peace and courage to endure suffering.
  3. Forgiveness of Sins: If the person is unable to confess, the sacrament also grants forgiveness of sins.
  4. Spiritual and Physical Healing: It may result in physical healing if it is God’s will.
  5. Preparation for Passing: Helps prepare the individual for a peaceful and holy death.

When and Where It’s Administered
  • Hospital or Home: Often performed in hospitals, homes, or care facilities.
  • Parish Services: Sometimes included in communal services within the parish, especially on special occasions like World Day of the Sick.
  • Repeated as Needed: The sacrament can be received multiple times, especially if a person’s condition worsens or they face a new serious illness.

Role of the Priest
  • Minister of Healing: The priest administers the sacrament, offering the Church’s prayers and the grace of God.
  • Spiritual Support: Provides spiritual support and comfort, ensuring the sick person is accompanied in their suffering.

​The Anointing of the Sick is a powerful sacrament that emphasizes the Church’s care for the sick and suffering, bringing God’s healing grace and the comfort of faith to those in need. It is a profound expression of God’s mercy and love, assuring the sick of Christ’s presence in their time of need.