Sacrament of Anointing the Sick

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Irishgal49

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I was reading Canon Law about Anointing the Sick as I have been interested in seeking this sacrament for healing of my heart due to severe childhood abuse and an addiction I feel trapped in but I’m not sure that’s an appropriate use of the Sacrament. What do you think?:confused:

Lorrie
 
My boss, a priest who happens to be a canon lawyer, has told me that this sacrament can be used to heal any type of illness, physical, emotional or spiritual.

I few months ago, while going through some very trying times in my emotional & spiritual life, my boss anointed me, and it was a true spiritual benefit. I saw things in a very different perspective afterwards, and the sacrament helped me to move through my issues.

I highly recommend that you speak to your priest about this. This sacrament is one of the most misunderstood sacraments, and because of this, not used as often as I think it could be.
 
The Sacrament of the Annointing of the Sick is usually reserved for those who are expirencing severe health problems, or are in danger of death. You might find Eucharisic Adoration more helpful in your situation.
 
Catholic1954 said:
The Sacrament of the Annointing of the Sick is usually reserved for those who are expirencing severe health problems, or are in danger of death. You might find Eucharisic Adoration more helpful in your situation.
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Severe health problems does not just mean “physical” health. One can be spiritually or emotionally “sick” also, and therefore anointing can be appropriate.
 
Oneofthewomen said:
Severe health problems does not just mean “physical” health. One can be spiritually or emotionally “sick” also, and therefore anointing can be appropriate.
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This is also what I was told by my priest. It isn’t just for the dying. And it isn’t just for physical illness.
 
Severe illness need not be acute. Chronic illness also benefits from the healing power of the Sacrament of Anointing.

CCC1514 The Anointing of the Sick "is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death…
CCC1515 If a sick person who received this anointing recovers his health, he can in the case of another grave illness receive this sacrament again. If during the same illness the person’s condition becomes more serious, the sacrament may may be repeated. It is fitting to receive the Anointing of the Sick just prior to a serious operation. The same holds for the elderly whose frailty becomes more pronounced.
 
EDIT: DebCris beat me to it.

Many parishes have a regular healing Mass. Our neighboring parish is across the street from a hospital and has a healing Mass with annointing of the sick on Wednesdays at Noon. The parish where I go will begin annointing the sick during Friday evening Mass in the very near future.

CCC 1520 A particular gift of the Holy Spirit. The first grace of this sacrament is one of strengthening, peace and courage to overcome the difficulties that go with the condition of serious illness or the frailty of old age. This grace is a gift of the Holy Spirit, who renews trust and faith in God and strengthens against the temptations of the evil one, the temptation to discouragement and anguish in the face of death.This assistance from the Lord by the power of his Spirit is meant to lead the sick person to healing of the soul, but also of the body if such is God’s will. Furthermore, “if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”

The sacrament is always efficacious. It will give you the strength to endure the trial and God will heal you physically if it is required for the salvation of your soul. Regarding severity of illness…

*CCC 1514 The Anointing of the Sick “is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. Hence, as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived.” *

-Tim-
 
One can see the distinction between point of death and danger of death in the Church documents quoted. The physical healing may result through the primary effect of this sacrament: remitting of sin and conferral of grace (which requires true contrition for sin for validity).

The Council of Trent issued four infallible declarations defining both Christ’s institution of Anointing and its three-fold purpose for the sick who receive it:
  • conferring grace,
  • remitting sin, and
  • giving strength of soul and body.
 
Our pastor told the congregation about a blind man whose vision was restored by the Anointing of the Sick held at a Mass in our parish. It’s a powerful sacrament. .
 
Irishgal49 said:
I was reading Canon Law about Anointing the Sick as I have been interested in seeking this sacrament for healing of my heart due to severe childhood abuse and an addiction I feel trapped in but I’m not sure that’s an appropriate use of the Sacrament. What do you think?:confused:

Lorrie
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Hello Lorrie,

As you would have seen in canon law, this Sacrament is for those who are at least beginning “to be in danger due to illness or old age” (c. 1004.1). The Church also says that this Sacrament is for “the faithful whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age” (no. 8 of the Ordo/preanotanda of this Sacrament).

Also, “those who are judged to have a serious mental illness and who would be strengthened by the sacrament may be anointed” (no. 53).

The bottom line is that you, in the judgment of the priest, must be seen to be seriously sick. If there is real doubt about this, the Sacrament is to be conferred (Code of Canon Law, c. 1005).

Dan
 
Certainly seek out prayer…for healing …and any needed counsel (I saw this site advertised and saved it for those who may seek out such catholictherapists.com/)

Jesus is the Good Shepherd and he loves you. Receiving him in holy communion…and seeking the prayer of others…is some of the ways he is with you and is loving you etc.

Also there is Lourdes…where much healing and graces occur. A wonderful place!
 
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