Jesus Gives Life To The Sick

Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick/Holy Viaticum

• Sacrament of healing given to those who are seriously ill, elderly, or near death

• Gives strength, peace, courage, and forgiveness of sins

• Holy Viaticum: name used to refer to the Eucharist or host given to the dying person (Latin word meaning “with you on the way”)

• Sickness:

  • Tells us of human limitation

  • Reminds us that we need others, of the meaning and value of suffering, the presence of evil, and God’s providence

  • Part of our weaknesses

  • Sickness enables us to share in the sufferings and sacrifices of Christ

  • Sickness can bring us to a more mature faith

• Signs and Symbols (POL):

  • Oil of the sick

  • Laying on of hands

  • Prayer of the priest

• Minister of the Sacrament:

  • Priests or Bishops

• Effects:

  • Spiritual healing

  • Strength and comfort

  • Union with Christ’s suffering

  • Forgiveness of sins

  • (Sometimes, according to God’s will) physical healing