Anointing of the Sick

“For all who are sick, do not lose hope, especially when your suffering is at its worst. Christ is near you.” — Pope Francis

Anointing of the Sick

The Anointing of the Sick is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church, specifically instituted to give spiritual and physical strength to those who are seriously ill or nearing death. It is a sacrament of healing, offering God’s grace for comfort, peace, and, if it is God’s will, physical healing.

Purpose and Meaning:

  1. Spiritual Healing and Strength:
    The Anointing of the Sick primarily provides spiritual strength and peace to those suffering from serious illness or old age. It gives them the grace to endure their suffering with faith and trust in God.

  2. Forgiveness of Sins:
    In addition to spiritual comfort, the sacrament can bring about the forgiveness of sins for those unable to confess through the sacrament of Reconciliation, restoring their relationship with God.

  3. Preparation for Eternal Life:
    For those who are gravely ill or nearing death, the Anointing of the Sick helps to prepare their souls for eternal life. It gives them the courage and peace needed to face death without fear, trusting in God’s mercy and love.

Biblical Foundation:

The sacrament is rooted in Scripture, specifically in the Letter of James 5:14-15, where it says: “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.”

This passage highlights both the healing and the forgiveness aspects of the sacrament.

The Rite of Anointing:

The Rite of the Anointing of the Sick involves the following key elements:

  1. Prayer of Faith:
    The priest, along with family or friends present, prays over the sick person, invoking God’s help and healing grace.

  2. Laying on of Hands:
    The priest lays his hands on the head of the sick person, a gesture symbolizing the Holy Spirit’s presence and the healing touch of Christ.

  3. Anointing with Oil:
    The priest anoints the sick person with the Oil of the Sick, which is blessed by the bishop during Holy Week. The priest applies the oil to the person’s forehead and hands while saying, “Through this holy anointing, may the Lord in His love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.”

Who Can Receive the Anointing of the Sick?

  • Those Seriously Ill:
    Any baptized Catholic who is seriously ill, whether due to a physical condition, chronic illness, or psychological affliction, can receive the sacrament. It is not only for those at the point of death, but for anyone in need of God’s healing grace.

  • The Elderly:
    Elderly people who are facing the difficulties of aging, even without a specific serious illness, may receive the sacrament for strength and peace.

  • Before Surgery:
    People about to undergo serious surgery or who are at risk of grave illness may also receive the sacrament.

Effects of the Sacrament:

  1. Strength, Peace, and Courage:
    The sacrament provides strength to face the trials of illness, bringing inner peace and a sense of being united with Christ’s suffering.

  2. Union with Christ:
    It deepens the sick person’s connection to Christ, particularly to His suffering and redemptive sacrifice.

  3. Restoration of Health (if God’s will):
    While the sacrament primarily offers spiritual healing, it can also result in physical healing if it is God’s will.

  4. Preparation for the Final Journey:
    For those close to death, it provides grace and comfort as they prepare to meet God. In such cases, the Anointing of the Sick may be accompanied by Viaticum, the reception of Holy Communion as “food for the journey.”

Viaticum:

Viaticum is the Eucharist given to someone who is nearing death. It is meant to be spiritual sustenance for the journey into eternal life, a final communion with Christ. It is often part of the Anointing of the Sick when death is imminent.

Importance of the Anointing of the Sick:

The Anointing of the Sick reminds the faithful that God’s love and mercy are with them even in times of suffering, illness, or old age. It reflects the Church’s mission to care for the whole person—body, mind, and soul. This sacrament reassures those who are ill that they are not alone in their suffering but are united with Christ, who Himself suffered for humanity’s salvation.

For more details, please reach out to the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Dr. Titus Imojime via email at fatherimojime@gmail.com or by phone at +232 34 476 224 / +232 74 868 899.

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