Anointing of the Sick:
It is a custom in many places to seek anointing if someone is sick…usually from a fairly serious illness or accident. The sacrament is administered by a bishop or priest, who uses the oleum infirmorum (‘oil of the sick’), an olive oil or another pure plant oil blessed by a bishop, to anoint the patient’s forehead and perhaps other parts of the body while reciting certain prayers.
The World Day of the Sick, celebrated on the Feast Day of Our Lady of Lourdes, is an observation started by Pope John Paul II as a way for believers to offer prayers for those suffering from illnesses.
There are five facts about anointing of the sick that you should know:
1. It unites us to Christ’s Passion.
2. It strengthens us to endure suffering.
3. It forgives our sins.
4. It restores our health if it is conducive to our salvation.
5. It prepares us for eternal life.