Anointing of the Sick
The Anointing of the Sick is one of the Church’s sacraments, specifically intended to strengthen those who are being tested by illness. According to the Roman Rite, “the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is given to those who are seriously ill by anointing them on the forehead and hands with duly blessed oil.”
This sacrament is not reserved only for those at the point of death. It may be received by any member of the faithful who is seriously ill or of advanced age. If a person recovers from an illness, they may receive the sacrament again in the case of another serious illness.
Likewise, if the condition worsens during the same illness, the sacrament may be repeated.
It is also fitting to receive the Anointing of the Sick before a serious operation, or when frailty in the elderly becomes more pronounced.
The Eucharist received at the moment of death, called the Viaticum (meaning “provision for the journey”), serves as a sacrament for the passing from life to eternal communion with the Father.
Together, the Anointing of the Sick and the Viaticum are the sacraments that prepare and complete the faithful’s earthly pilgrimage, offering spiritual strength, healing, and the hope of eternal life.
Note
Due to patient privacy, clinics/hospitals cannot disclose health information. If you or a family member is hospitalized, kindly contact the Parish Priest.