Anointing of the Sick
The priest lays hands on the head of the sick person in silence. He blesses the oil if it is not already blessed. The priest anoints the sick person on the forehead and hands, saying:
Through his holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, mercifully listen to our prayers for our sick brother/sister whom we have anointed in your name. By the power of the Holy Spirit, ease his/her sufferings and make him/her well again in mind and body. In your loving kindness forgive his/her sins, restore him/her to full health, and be with him/her to comfort him/her. Give us all the peace and happiness of your kingdom where you live and reign with God the Father and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
May God protect you from harm, and grant health to your soul. May He shine on your heart, and lead you to eternal Life. Amen. And may the blessing of almighty God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, come down on you and remain with you always. Amen. Let us go in the peace and the joy of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
If a priest suggests you be anointed, welcome the opportunity. This sacrament is for the sick It is helpful to soul and to body - to heal both, the former of its sins and effects, and the latter of its illness if that is God's will. God never ceases to show his love for us, but Christ in the Gospel showed it especially for those who are ill. We need faith to understand that our sufferings are not meaningless, that it we unite them with Christ's own passions we can use them to bring ourselves and others closer to God our Father. As we gradually realize this, the sacrament also increases our faith that one day we will rejoice with God and enjoy the peace of his presence forever.
