The Anointing of the Sick
"By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them.
And indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ."
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
"By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them.
And indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ."
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
Anointing of the Sick
Through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, the Church continues the ministry of Jesus – compassion and healing.
This sacrament was known as Extreme Unction until the Second Vatican Council, and this gave the impression that it should be received only at the moment of death.
Some people kept postponing this sacrament, and sometimes died before it was administered. By changing the name to Anointing of the Sick, church is indicating that a person is eligible to receive this sacrament if he or she is dealing with illness even though not in immediate danger of death.
Some of the conditions that render a person eligible for this sacrament are:
The benefits of the sacrament are:
Through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, the Church continues the ministry of Jesus – compassion and healing.
This sacrament was known as Extreme Unction until the Second Vatican Council, and this gave the impression that it should be received only at the moment of death.
Some people kept postponing this sacrament, and sometimes died before it was administered. By changing the name to Anointing of the Sick, church is indicating that a person is eligible to receive this sacrament if he or she is dealing with illness even though not in immediate danger of death.
Some of the conditions that render a person eligible for this sacrament are:
- Being on blood pressure, arthritis, or diabetes medicines.
- Suffers from heart or bronchial or diabetic condition.
- Has any nervous condition.
- Is preparing for serious surgery.
- Is suffering from chronic pain.
- Is no longer able to move about, take care of oneself because of old age or illness of any form.
- Is unconscious due to accident, heart attack, diabetic coma, or old age.
The benefits of the sacrament are:
- Peace of mind or spiritual healing.
- Sometimes physical healing.
- The Prayer of the Church for the sick.
- Forgiveness of sin and remission of all punishment due to sin.
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is a great source of grace and blessing. It is celebrated once a month at the Church of the Assumption in Natchez, and after weekend Masses at St. Mary Basilica during advent and Lent, and also on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, World Day of the Sick.
Parish members are encouraged to call the pastor for this sacrament before surgery or if a loved one is seriously ill in hospital, in a nursing home or at home. A person who is in good health is not eligible to receive this sacrament.
For more information contact St. Mary Basilica by Email or telephone 601–445–5616.
Parish members are encouraged to call the pastor for this sacrament before surgery or if a loved one is seriously ill in hospital, in a nursing home or at home. A person who is in good health is not eligible to receive this sacrament.
For more information contact St. Mary Basilica by Email or telephone 601–445–5616.