Anointing of the Sick
Through the anointing and the prayer of the priest, the Church commends the sick to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them.
What is the Anointing of the Sick?
The sacrament of strength for those who suffer.
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 (CCC 1499).
The sacrament is not only for those at the point of death. As soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time to receive it has certainly already arrived (CCC 1514).
The sick person is anointed on the forehead and hands with oil blessed by the bishop, while the priest prays for the special grace of this sacrament (CCC 1513, 1519).
Signs & effects
The special grace of the sacrament (CCC 1520–1523, 1532).
Strength and peace
The gift of the Holy Spirit gives strength, peace and courage to bear illness or old age.
CCC 1520Healing
The restoration of health, if this is good for the salvation of the soul.
CCC 1520Forgiveness
The forgiveness of sins, if the sick person was not able to obtain it through confession.
CCC 1520, 1532United with Christ
The sick person is united to the Passion of Christ, for their own good and that of the whole Church.
CCC 1521–1522Prayer of the Church
The whole Church intercedes for the sick person.
CCC 1522Viaticum
For those about to depart this life, the Eucharist received as Viaticum is the seed of eternal life.
CCC 1524–1525Who may receive the Anointing of the Sick
Any baptized Catholic who is in danger because of sickness or old age (CCC 1514–1515).
- Those who are seriously ill.CCC 1514
- Before a serious operation.CCC 1515
- The elderly whose frailty becomes more pronounced.CCC 1515
- It may be received again if the person recovers and falls ill again, or if the illness becomes more serious.CCC 1515
How to prepare
Do not wait until the last moment to call a priest.
Call the parish
Contact the parish office or a priest; in an emergency, say so clearly.
Confession
If possible, the sick person makes a confession before the anointing.
Family and friends
It is good for family members to pray with the sick person during the rite.
Holy Communion
The priest can also bring Holy Communion to the sick and the homebound.
At Holy Family Co-Cathedral
The schedule and requirements of Holy Family Co-Cathedral, Kuwait City.
Parish details coming soon
To arrange the Anointing of the Sick, or Holy Communion for the sick and homebound, please contact the parish office of Holy Family Co-Cathedral. Parish details will be added here soon.