Individual Anointing

Message from Fr. Jose Koluthara, CMI

Lord Jesus, make the sick experience your healing through my presence while they receive anointing. Amen.

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today’s gospel story of the healing of the paralytic (Mark 2:1-12) can serve to remind us of the importance of friends and family and members of the community in the care of the sick. The four men who carried the sick person to Jesus for healing are not identified nor are their relationships to the paralytic explained. Yet it is clear that his healing depended on the assistance of others, as well as on the healing power of Jesus.

This kind of care for the sick is encouraged in the official rite for anointing. “If one member suffers in the Body of Christ, which is the church, all the members suffer with that member. For this reason, kindness shown toward the sick and works of charity and mutual help for the relief of every kind of human want are held in special honour” (#32) “It is thus specially fitting that all baptised Christians share in the ministry of mutual charity within the body of Christ by doing all that they can to help the sick return to health, by showing love for the sick, and by celebrating the sacraments with them. Like the other sacraments, these (anointing, communion of the sick, viaticum) too have a community aspect, which should be brought out as much as possible when they are celebrated.” (#33)

This is still a new idea for many Catholics, and it needs to be the focus of parish catechists. Whenever someone is anointed, family and friends and members of the parish should be included as much as possible. It is still far too common for a family member to request anointing for someone in the hospital or a nursing home and see no reason to be present when the sacrament is celebrated.

Obviously there will be situations when anointing must be celebrated with only the priest present to represent the community, but such minimalism is only appropriate in emergencies. Normally the sacrament should be celebrated with a community of the faithful gathered around the sick person to support them in faith and prayer.

Liturgy planners and parish staff might profit from discussion of ways to gather parishioners when someone is anointed. Some anointing (e.g. before surgery) might be celebrated during Mass, either on the weekend or on a weekday.

Those who care for the sick and take communion to them might be invited to take part when the priest comes to anoint. Catechesis of the parish can encourage family and friends to join such celebrations.