Anointing of the Sick

Following the example of, and by Divine mandate from Her Founder, Jesus Christ, the Catholic Church loving accompanies humanity at all stages of life, from the moment of conception until natural death, “going about, doing good and healing all.” (Acts of the Apostles, 10: 38).

“The Church shows this solicitude not only by visiting those who are in poor health but also by raising them up through the Sacrament of Anointing and by nourishing them with the Eucharist during their illness when they are in danger of death.” (Decree from the sacred Congregation of Divine Worship, 1072).

“Illness and suffering have always been among the gravest problems confronted in human life. In illness, man experiences his powerlessness, his limitations, and his finitude.” (CCC, no. 1500). “The Church believes and confesses that among the seven Sacraments there is one especially intended to strengthen those who are being tried by illness, the Anointing of the Sick…” (CCC, no. 1511).