The Holy Anointing of the Sick
Prayer for the healing & forgiveness of sins
“Illness and suffering have always been among the gravest problems confronted in human life” (CCC 1500)
What is it?
The Anointing of the Sick is a holy Sacrament where a priest anoints a person with blessed oil, offering spiritual strength, comfort, and forgiveness for serious illness, old age, or before surgery, uniting their suffering with Christ’s passion for healing of body, soul, and spirit, not just physical recovery. It provides grace, peace, and courage, and can be received more than once for worsening conditions, not just at the point of death, and is administered to baptized individuals of reason facing significant health challenges.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church recognises that “Illness and suffering have always been among the gravest problems confronted in human life” (CCC 1500). The Church recognises illness as a fundamental human experience that reveals our finitude, powerlessness, and limitations, often leading to deeper spiritual questioning and a search for God, and is addressed by the Church through sacraments like the Anointing of the Sick for healing, comfort, and spiritual strength.
In the Economy of Salvation, Jesus himself uses the example of those who burden illness as being seen in the inheritance of God’s kingdom. When we care for and recognise those who suffer, we inspire and even bring about a sense of healing.
Who is it for?
The Sacrament of Anointing the Sick is not restricted to those who are at the point of death, but rather “… as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age” (CCC). At the end of life, turning toward God through this Sacrament is a chance for those who suffer to share in Christ’s own suffering for us. It is a true strengthening of faith and a chance to grow in relationship with God, right up until our last breath.
Anointing the Sick is therefore a celebration. In the sacrament the Liturgy of the Word, preceded by an act of repentance, opens the celebration. The words of Christ, the witness of the apostles, awaken the faith of the sick person and of the community to ask the Lord for the strength of his Spirit (CCC).
How can obtain it?
If you want to find out more about how we can support you in what may be a difficult time for you or a loved one please o get in touch with our Parish Office and someone will be in contact to help with your query.
Alternatively you can call directly on (08) 9964 1608 or
Email: gtonparish@geraldtoncatholic.org.au
"I am the Lord who heals you." (Exodus 15:26)
