Sacraments
What is the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick?
💬Answer
The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing administered to those who are seriously ill, facing surgery, or in danger of death. The priest anoints the forehead and hands of the sick person with the Oil of the Sick (blessed by the bishop at the Chrism Mass) while praying, 'Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.' The sacrament provides spiritual strengthening, peace, courage, forgiveness of sins, and sometimes physical healing if God wills it. It is rooted in James 5:14-15: 'Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil.' This sacrament was formerly known as Extreme Unction or Last Rites when reserved only for the dying; Vatican II restored its broader application to all who are seriously ill.
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