Anointing of the Sick

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The Anointing of the Sick: A Beacon of Comfort and Healing

The Anointing of the Sick is a profound sacrament that beautifully reveals God’s immense love for all of us. This sacred rite not only offers comfort during times of illness and frailty, but also gently guides our souls towards the eternal embrace of heaven.

From Baptism to Anointing

At Baptism, Jesus cleanses our souls not only of original sin but also of all sins committed before that moment. Aware of our human frailty, He subsequently established the sacrament of Penance to forgive sins that occur after Baptism. To ensure that no one is delayed in their journey toward heaven, Christ empowered His Church to relieve the temporal penalties of sin through the granting of indulgences. Finally, to be doubly sure that no soul is denied heavenly grace through no fault of its own, He instituted the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.

A Special Sacrament for the Ailing

The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that the purpose of the Anointing of the Sick is to confer a special grace on those who face the difficulties of serious illness or old age. In St. Mark’s Gospel (6:12-13) we read of the apostles who, as they travelled, not only preached repentance but also anointed many who were unwell, bringing both physical and spiritual healing. A clear scriptural description of this sacrament is also provided in the Epistle of St. James:

“Is any one among you sick? Let him bring in the presbyters of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he be in sins, they shall be forgiven him.” (James 5:14-15)

The Oil of the Sick

Central to this sacrament is the Oil of the Sick, one of the three sacred oils blessed by the diocesan bishop at the cathedral on Holy Thursday morning. The other two are Holy Chrism and the Oil of Catechumens, used in Baptism. Pure olive oil—enhanced only by the bishop’s blessing—symbolises both healing and strength. During the ceremony, the priest anoints the forehead and hands of the unwell individual while reciting a short prayer:

“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.”

Easing the Fear of Death

Facing the real possibility of death naturally brings about a profound sense of anxiety. This deep-seated fear is part of our instinct for self-preservation—a divine design intended to safeguard our well-being. However, rather than a sign of weak faith, such apprehension is a normal response when confronting life’s fragility. The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is precisely meant to alleviate this fear, imbuing the soul with peace and the assurance of God’s loving presence even in our most vulnerable moments.

The Graces Bestowed

Like all the sacraments, the Anointing of the Sick imparts sanctifying grace, fortifying the soul’s union with God. Given that this sacrament is typically reserved for those already free from mortal sin, it deepens the spiritual life within, preparing the individual for the joys of heaven. In addition to this increase in sanctifying grace, the rite confers a distinct sacramental grace intended to comfort and empower the sick. This grace quiets anxiety, dissipates fear, and enables one to embrace God’s will even in the face of imminent death. It also bolsters the soul against the temptations of despair and doubt—ensuring that the spirit remains steadfast despite life’s challenges.

Many who have experienced this sacrament attest to the profound peace and confidence in God that it brings.

Additional Blessings

Beyond offering inner tranquillity, the Anointing of the Sick also bestows a secondary grace—the forgiveness of venial sins and the purification of the soul from lingering effects of sin. For those who receive this sacrament in their final illness, there is a blessed assurance of being ready to enter heaven immediately after death. While the prayers of loved ones remain a cherished support in the time after passing, the sacrament itself cleanses the soul from any remnants of sin, including the moral weaknesses borne of both original sin and our own failings. Such spiritual preparation helps guard against any last struggles that might arise between the spirit and worldly temptations.

In Harmony with Confession

Although the sacrament of Penance is the ordinary means for the forgiveness of mortal sins, the Anointing of the Sick may also confer forgiveness if a critically ill person, unable to receive Confession, has already shown sincere contrition. This compassionate provision ensures that even in our most dire moments, the mercy of God is never out of reach.

Healing in Body and Spirit

While the primary aim of the Anointing of the Sick is to prepare the soul for the possibility of death, it can also foster a beneficial effect on physical healing. As affirmed by the Council of Trent, if recovery is conducive to the soul’s salvation, then natural healing processes—stimulated by the graces of the sacrament—can indeed occur. Such recoveries are seldom instantaneous or miraculous in the dramatic sense, but they are a testament to God’s subtle and steady workings through the natural order. Experienced priests have often recounted unexpected improvements and recoveries following the administration of this holy sacrament.

The Anointing of the Sick stands as a powerful testament to God’s loving care in every aspect of our lives—offering comfort, strength, and hope amidst our physical and spiritual trials. This sacrament not only prepares the soul for its ultimate journey but can also, in the gentle unfolding of divine grace, aid in the natural restoration of health.

Would you be interested in exploring further reflections on how the sacraments interlace spiritual resilience with the beauty of our earthly existence, or perhaps a discussion on the historical development of these sacred rites?

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We warmly invite you to submit your prayer requests. Remember, you are never alone in your struggles, and together, we can experience the healing power of prayer that our faith promises.

More About Our Mission

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Empowering you to step boldly into a life of service grounded in love, courage, & wisdom.

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Eucharist

Our priests visit care homes with open hearts and gentle hands.

Anointing of the Sick

Gently guides your soul towards the eternal embrace of heaven.

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Communion to the Sick

Guiding worshippers to encounter Christ with reverence and an open heart.

Bringing the Sacrament to the sick, ensuring the healing & sustaining grace of the Eucharist.