Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick
The healing touch of Christ conferring grace, spiritual comfort, and forgiveness of sins during serious illness or old age.
“Is anyone 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. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”
— James 5:14–15 (Sacred Scripture)Significance in the Life of a Christian
Theological roots, spiritual fruits, and indelible supernatural character conferred upon the faithful.
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. And indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ (CCC 1499).
The primary gift of this sacrament is a special grace of the Holy Spirit: strength, peace, and courage to overcome the difficulties that accompany serious illness or the frailty of old age. This grace renews trust and faith in God, defends against the discouragement and anguish of the enemy, and leads to the healing of the soul, and also of the body if such is God’s holy will (CCC 1520).
When administered to those at the point of departure from this earthly life, the Church provides the Anointing along with Viaticum (the Holy Eucharist as food for the final journey), forming the “Last Rites” that prepare the soul for the Father’s house.
Essential Sacramental Rites & Symbols
Matter
Anointing with the Oil of the Sick (Oleum Infirmorum), consecrated by the Archbishop at the Chrism Mass, applied to forehead and hands.
Form
"Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up."
Minister
Only priests (bishops and presbyters) are ministers of the Anointing of the Sick.
Viaticum
The Holy Eucharist received by a dying person, passing with Christ from this earthly world to the Father.
How to Receive This Sacrament
Official steps, preparation timelines, and canonical prerequisites at St. Felix Parish, Archdiocese of Bamenda.
Who Should Receive This Sacrament?
- • Any baptized Catholic who has reached the age of reason and begins to be in danger of death from sickness or the frailty of old age.
- • Prior to undergoing major surgery whenever a serious medical illness is the reason for the medical operation.
- • Elderly Christians whose bodily strength is noticeably deteriorating, even without acute danger of immediate death.
- • Can be received repeatedly if the sick person recovers and falls ill again, or if during the same illness the danger becomes more acute.
Pastoral Sick Visitation Procedures
- • Families are encouraged to notify the church early during grave illness rather than waiting for the final moments of life.
- • Parish priests regularly visit private homes, clinics, and hospitals throughout Ntenefor and the Bamenda municipality.
- • Celebrated communally twice annually on the World Day of the Sick (February 11) and during pastoral parish sick visitations.
Scriptural & Biblical References
Instituted by Our Lord Jesus Christ and faithfully practiced by the Apostles and early Church.
“And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.”
“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.”
“And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and she glorified God.”
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”