|
 The Anointing of the Sick is a wonderful prayer that helps in the healing of body and/or soul. The most often expressed reaction to the sacrament is a feeling of peace that Christ knows our suffering and is with us through our suffering. This knowledge certainly helps the one who is ill or dying, and it helps the whole community of family and friends.
Unfortunately, this sacrament became associated with dying, and thus, was offered only to the dying. The bishops of the Church, at the Second Vatican Council, rejected this exclusive association of the sacrament and dying, and restored the use of the sacrament to anyone who is seriously ill.
Who, then, may receive this sacrament?
Anyone who has a serious physical or mental illness.
It can be repeated if that serious illness takes a turn for the worse.
It can be received before any serious operation.
It can be received by anyone in danger of death.
|
