The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick gives spiritual healing and strength to a person who is seriously ill or suffering. It’s a blessing and shows a time during our weakest moments when we count on Christ, the Good Shepherd. Even though our lives or those of someone we may love could be in turmoil due to being weak or sick, this is a time to bring about a conversion toward God and a greater appreciation of his gifts in our lives, pulling us back to him.
God sends healing, either physical or spiritual because illness and death have been conquered through the death of his Son, Jesus Christ. Healing can be done through the Anointing of the Sick with the blessed holy oil. This is pressed from olives, blessed by the bishop and is a sign of healing, strengthening and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Many question whether this can only be done prior to the last rites, but Anointing of the Sick can occur in a variety of places and times either being offered to one person, or to an entire group of people that are baptized in the Catholic faith above the age of seven. The Sacrament can also be received more than once.
There are three aspects of the Sacrament including:
Typically, individuals celebrate the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation prior to receiving the Anointing of the Sick and then receive Communion after the Anointing.
O Lord, my God, Please give me the grace to maintain my hope in you through all of life’s changes and to taste and see your goodness. I praise you for the gifts you have showered on me for so many years. Help me find joy in a renewed strength of spirit. Please bless me with good health, and inspire me to be a good example to others. For you are Lord, forever and ever. Amen.
All praise and glory is yours, Lord our God, for you have called us to serve you in love. Bless N., so that he/she may bear this illness in union with your Son’s obedient suffering. Restore him/her to health, and lead him/her to glory. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.