Anointing of the Sick
If you or someone you love is very ill, there are special graces available
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through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. The Catechism
of the Catholic Church quotes the Council of Trent and says,
“This sacred anointing of the sick was instituted by Christ our Lord as a
true and proper sacrament of the New Testament. It is alluded to indeed
by Mark, but is recommended to the faithful and promulgated by James
the apostle and brother of the Lord.” (CCC 1511)
It used to be thought that this sacrament was only for those near death.
That is not the case. In fact, the Catechism of the Catholic Church says
this: The Anointing of the Sick “is not a sacrament for those only who are
at the point of death. Hence, as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to
receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived.” (CCC 1514)
The Anointing of the sick is not a sacrament that one can only receive
once. Again from the Catechism: “If a sick person who received this
anointing recovers his health, he can in the case of another grave illness
receive this sacrament again. If during the same illness the person’s con-
to receive the Anointing of the Sick just prior to a serious operation. The
same holds for the elderly whose frailty becomes more pronounced.”
(CCC 1515)
Only a priest can administer the Anointing of the Sick. So the next time
you or someone you love is seriously ill, call a priest and allow the graces
of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick to bring the healing
touch of Jesus.
For further study:
CCC 1499-1532
James 5:14-16