
Anointing of the Sick
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is a beautiful sign of God’s closeness and mercy for those who suffer. Pope Francis explains that it is like the parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10:30–35): Jesus comes near to the sick through the priest, pouring out the oil of healing and the wine of His love and grace.
Rooted in Scripture, this sacrament is described in the Letter of James: “Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord” (Jas 5:14–15). This practice comes from the earliest days of the Church, reflecting Jesus’ own love for the sick.
The Anointing of the Sick is not a sign of death, but of life and hope. It offers spiritual and sometimes physical strength, forgiveness of sins, and deep peace. Pope Francis reminds us: “It is Jesus himself who comes to relieve the sick person, to give him strength, to give him hope, to help him.” This sacrament is meant not only for those near death, but for anyone seriously ill or advanced in age.
We should not be afraid to call a priest when a loved one is sick. Through this sacrament, the whole Church surrounds the person with prayer—and Christ himself draws near to comfort and strengthen them with his love.
(based on Pope Francis, 26 February 2014)