Cristo, entendiendo la enfermedad humana, entregó a su Iglesia el Sacramento de la Unción de los Enfermos para que todos los bautizados puedan acceder y experimentar su Espíritu sanador. Este sacramento de misericordia y curación se administra tanto a los moribundos como a los que están gravemente enfermos o a punto de sufrir una operación grave. El Sacramento de la Unción ofrece oraciones por la recuperación, pero principalmente brinda curación espiritual y la paz y el coraje del Espíritu Santo para las dificultades de la enfermedad o la fragilidad de la vejez.
Anointing is not to be delayed for any serious illness or operation. A person who has been anointed does not need to be anointed again within the same illness. It is also important to be prepared to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation when receiving the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick (if they are able).
When to call a priest:
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Diagnosis of serious disease: call parish to come in and meet with priest.
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Terminal Diagnosis: call parish to come in and meet with priest.
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Homebound: call parish to schedule a visit within a given week.
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For the integrity of the sacrament the priest will hear the confession of the person to be anointed.
Anointing of the Sick
“Is there anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the lord will raise him up.”
James 5:14-15