ANOINTING OF THE SICK
What Is the Sacrament of the sick?
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is exactly what it says. It is a prayerful celebration for someone or for a group of people who are ill and are blessed by the priest with Oil of the Sick. God’s healing and loving presence are called upon that the sick person might be raised up and restored to health. The Sacrament of the Sick gives sick people comfort and spiritual strength.
Symbolism
The words of blessing over the oil say it all. It is “oil intended to ease the sufferings of your people.”Oil soothes and heals. Oil blessed for the sick is a sign of the Anointed One (Messiah) of God. The person so anointed receives the healing, saving power of the One who saves (Messiah).
Oil
The oil that is used is Olive Oil. The Bishop and priests bless it at the ‘Chrism Mass’ on Holy Thursday in the Cathedral.The oil of the sickisthen taken each year to each parish and hospital for use throughout the year in the Sacrament of the Sick.
How?
A person is anointed on the forehead and the palms of the hands while the priest says: “Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you by the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who heals you, save you and raise you up.”
Who Can Be Anointed?
Anyone facing a significant surgery is encouraged to avail themselves of this sacrament, as well as the aged or seriously ill.
Every First Friday of the month, the priests visit the housebound with Holy Communion. Ministers of the Eucharist are also available to distribute Holy Communion to the sick by arrangement. Many sick people also like to receive the sacrament of the sick and are strengthened and affirmed. If you are unable to attend Mass due to illness or frailty and would like to receive the sacraments in your home, please contact the Parochial House on +353 1 8255342.
