Question about Anointing of the sick

[Viki63]

My husband is in the hospital for a serious illness, although I expect he will live. (When he first was admitted I thought he might not)
I’d like him to receive the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, but he needs a Spanish speaking priest.
Our priest is Spanish speaking, but I know he is swamped, and not in great health. He has 1 deacon to assist him.
There’s another parish a few miles away that appears to have a Spanish speaking priest, an assistant priest, and 2 deacons.
Would it be all right for me to call that parish and ask if one of them could perform the sacrament? Or should I stick with our parish?

.

 

[po18guy]

The Sacrament is valid regardless of whether or not the recipient understands it. It is valid even if the recipient is unconscious. If I fell sick in China, let’s say, I would be elated to have a Chinese Priest administer the Sacrament. Helen Keller was deaf, dumb and blind. Yet, as a matter of principle, the Sacrament would have been every bit as valid.

 

[UpUpAndAway]

To my knowledge, any Catholic priest can administer this sacrament to any Catholic in need of it. Language is not a barrier to validity, so while your husband may prefer a Spanish-speaking priest he does not “need” one.

That said, since time doesn’t seem to be of the essence in your husband’s case, you could request a Spanish-speaking priest if you so choose. The hospital administration may even be able to help you locate one, but this can vary widely depending upon where you are and what sort of hospital your husband is in.

I would not let your priest’s busy schedule dissuade you from approaching him if that is what you would prefer…all priests I know of prioritize the administration of this particular sacrament, which by its nature often can’t wait.

Remembering you and your husband in my daily prayers. God bless!

 

[Joe_5859]

I wouldn’t hesitate to contact any priest about this. As UpUpAndAway said, priests tend to prioritize administering Anointing of the Sick. If your priest doesn’t think he can do it, he can refer you to another priest.

 

[ComplineSanFran]

Most hospitals have Chaplains who are available 24/7. If a Catholic priest is not the one on call, the Chaplain who is can ask a priest to come. And if you request a Spanish-speaking one, that can be arranged too. The Chaplains like to do things internally these days.

 

[Viki63]

Thanks for all your replies;. I did speak to the hospital chaplain, who recommended I call a certain priest, which I’ll do tomorrow.
I appreciate your prayers. The surgeon talked to me today and it could be very serious.

.

 

[PJM]

My husband is in the hospital for a serious illness, although I expect he will live. (When he first was admitted I thought he might not)
I’d like him to receive the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, but he needs a Spanish speaking priest.
Our priest is Spanish speaking, but I know he is swamped, and not in great health. He has 1 deacon to assist him.
There’s another parish a few miles away that appears to have a Spanish speaking priest, an assistant priest, and 2 deacons.
Would it be all right for me to call that parish and ask if one of them could perform the sacrament? Or should I stick with our parish?

.

YES, BUT MUST be a priest, a deacon CANNOT do it:thumbsup:

However if the condition is NO-LONGER deemed critical, then the priest MAY determine that he is no-longer eligible [OLD-Age] being ht e exception here]. That is the call to be made by the priest, but you should be aware of this contingency.

God Bless you BOTH!

Patrick

I said a prayer for you both

God Bless you

 

[Viki63]

Thanks for your prayers.
I left a message for Father and he whipped in and did it, apparently. My husband said only that he felt like a burden was lifted.
Praise the Lord.

.

 

[Joe_5859]

Thanks for your prayers.
I left a message for Father and he whipped in and did it, apparently. My husband said only that he felt like a burden was lifted.
Praise the Lord.

.

Good to hear! I’m glad that your husband was able to receive the Sacrament and I will say a prayer for him.

 

[UpUpAndAway]

Thanks for your prayers.
I left a message for Father and he whipped in and did it, apparently. My husband said only that he felt like a burden was lifted.
Praise the Lord.

.

Perhaps you felt one was lifted for you too.

Continued prayers for you and your husband. God bless you both.

 

[otjm]

YES, BUT MUST be a priest, a deacon CANNOT do it:thumbsup:

However if the condition is NO-LONGER deemed critical, then the priest MAY determine that he is no-longer eligible [OLD-Age] being ht e exception here]. That is the call to be made by the priest, but you should be aware of this contingency.

God Bless you BOTH!

Patrick

I said a prayer for you both

God Bless you

If he is going into surgery, then I would consider it critical - there is a reason anesthesiologists’ malpractice insurance is as high as it is.

 

[PJM]

If he is going into surgery, then I would consider it critical - there is a reason anesthesiologists’ malpractice insurance is as high as it is.

YOu’re RIGHT, BUt I didn’t rule this, what should be obvious condition out:shrug:

 

[Boy_Wonder]

My husband is in the hospital for a serious illness, although I expect he will live. (When he first was admitted I thought he might not)
I’d like him to receive the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, but he needs a Spanish speaking priest.
Our priest is Spanish speaking, but I know he is swamped, and not in great health. He has 1 deacon to assist him.
There’s another parish a few miles away that appears to have a Spanish speaking priest, an assistant priest, and 2 deacons.
Would it be all right for me to call that parish and ask if one of them could perform the sacrament? Or should I stick with our parish?

.

Sorry to hear about your husband. Ask the hospital to arrange for a Spanish speaking priest to bring him the sacrament.