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If anyone among you is sick, let him call the priests, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith shall save the sufferer and the Lord shall raise him up, and if he has committed sin, he shall pardon him.
-James 5:14
In these words from the book of James, transmitted to us through Apostolic Tradition, we find the matter, form, proper administration and effect of the Anointing of the Sick. Previously referred to as Extreme Unction or Last Rites, this life-giving sacrament is not reserved for the dying, but for all who are in need of healing. Instituted by Christ, it conveys God’s grace through the power of the Holy Spirit, granting believers the strength, peace and courage to continue their earthly journey, bearing whatever suffering it may entail in union with the passion of Christ.
From earliest times, the Anointing of the Sick with reception of Holy Communion (the Viaticum) was cherished among Christians. The Viaticum, or “that which you take on the road.” is truly that; spiritual nourishment for our journey from here to eternity. If you or a loved one is ill or infirm; facing surgery or a frightening medical procedure; or in danger of death, do not hesitate to contact one of the priests. |
