In recognition of World Day of the Sick, on February 11th the 5PM Saturday Mass will include a communal celebration of Anointing of the Sick. Catholics sometimes misunderstand this sacrament as one that is received only when nearing the point of death. In reality, it is one of the Church’s most meaningful sacraments. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that “the Church has received this charge from the Lord and strives to carry it out by taking care of the sick as well as accompanying them with her prayer of intercession.” This sacrament is NOT only for those at the point of death, but for any member of the faithful who has a serious illness, one who is planning to undergo major surgery soon, or any fragile, elderly person.
What effect does this have on physical healing? All of us would love physical healing from illness. As Christians, however, we must remember that while physical healing may occur, what is important to God is our eternal salvation. Therefore, according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church section 1531, “the special grace of the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick has as its effects: the uniting of the sick person to the passion of Christ, for his or her own good and that of the whole Church; The strengthening, peace and courage to endure in a Christian manner the sufferings of illness or old age; The forgiveness of sins, if the sick person was not able to obtain it through the Sacrament of Penance(this refers to someone near death); The restoration of health, if it is conducive to the salvation of their soul; The preparation for passing over to eternal life (this refers to someone near death).”
Lastly, the following is a brief description of the Rite. There are three distinct aspects to the Rite:
- The prayer of the faithful, in which the community unites its prayers in asking God’s help for the sick in our community. This is the community’s response to God’s words in a spirit of trust.
- The laying on of hands which is clearly a sign of blessing. We pray that by the power of God’s healing grace, the sick may be restored to health or strengthened in time of illness.
- The anointing with oil is an ancient practice in which the oil signifies healing, strengthening, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, all who are seriously ill are welcome to receive this Sacrament.
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