Pope’s prayer intention for July: For the pastoral care of the sick

Jul 05, 2024

Prayer Prism - Fr Fabian Dicom

Josephine’s father, Francis, was hospitalised for ten days before his passing. As his condition worsened, Josephine became increasingly anxious and repeatedly asked for a priest to anoint him. Friends prayed for Francis, but no priest was initially available. When a priest finally came to anoint him, Josephine was comforted and felt a sense of peace. She observed that after the anointing, her father was calm, and was sleeping peacefully. This spiritual moment comforted her, making her feel that her father had been blessed. It allowed Josephine to let go, feeling that she had done her best for her father. Francis passed away peacefully the next day, and Josephine was comforted, believing he was ready to meet Jesus.

Rediscovering the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
At the General Audience on February 26, 2014, Pope Francis encouraged the faithful to rediscover the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. He emphasised that calling a priest to administer this sacrament is not taboo and does not bring bad luck. Instead, it allows individuals to experience God’s compassion and spiritual support during illness, transforming the sacrament from its old association with imminent death — previously called Extreme Unction — to a broader understanding within God’s mercy.

Pope Francis clarified that anyone who is elderly or seriously ill can receive this sacrament. It is meant for anyone who is suffering a serious illness: physical, emotional, mental or spiritual. The Sacrament may be received at any time during a person’s illness, especially before surgery or treatment. The priest's visit is meant to bring Jesus’ presence, offering strength, hope, forgiveness, and spiritual upliftment. The Pope referenced the parable of the Good Samaritan, where care and healing are freely given, likening the Church to the innkeeper entrusted with the continued care of the suffering.

The Role of Priests and the Community
Pope Francis urged priests to actively bring God’s healing grace to those in need, particularly the marginalised, embodying the role of “shepherds living with the smell of the sheep.” He emphasised that the Sacrament is a visible sign of compassion and hope, representing the entire Christian community gathered around those who suffer, fostering faith and providing support through prayer and fraternal warmth.

Complementing Modern Medicine
While modern medicine has made incredible strides in alleviating suffering and curing diseases, it cannot address the entirety of human pain, which includes emotional, psychological, and spiritual suffering. The Anointing of the Sick complements medical treatment by addressing these oftenoverlooked dimensions of illness.

Dr Mark Tan, a Healthcare Ethics Consultant and Medical Lecturer, draws a parallel between Advanced Care Planning (ACP) and the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, highlighting the importance of preparation and planning from a spiritual perspective as a preparation for the journey. He notes that this Sacrament can alleviate spiritual pain, and through the incorporation of the Sacrament of Reconciliation into the rite, it helps bring peace and reconciliation, essential for mitigating the burdens of illness, whether serious or critical. Another significant positive effect, he adds, is the instillation of hope.

Psychological Aspects: Emotional Support and Peace
Illness often brings fear, anxiety, and a sense of helplessness. The Anointing of the Sick offers profound psychological support. Through the prayers, the laying on of hands, and the anointing with oil, the sick person feels the tangible presence of the Church and the community. This ritual can alleviate feelings of isolation and despair, replacing them with peace and comfort.

Joyce, who was recently admitted to the hospital due to a sudden illness, shared her experience: “After the anointing, I could feel a sense of peace and relief within me. The fear and worry about my illness have become less burdensome. Additionally, I was able to sleep better compared to the night before. Thank and praise God!”

The prayer and presence of a priest can reassure the patient that they are not alone in their suffering. It can bring a sense of peace that medical interventions alone cannot provide, fostering a positive mindset that is crucial for healing.

Spiritual Aspects: A Sacrament of Faith and Hope
Theologically, the Anointing of the Sick is deeply rooted in the compassion of Christ. As outlined in the Epistle of James (James 5:14-15), the early Church practised this sacrament, emphasising prayer and anointing as means of healing.

The sacrament is a reminder that Christ’s healing ministry continues through the Church. It emphasises the belief that God’s power transcends human limitations and can bring about holistic transformation and healing. It assures the sick that their suffering is not meaningless but united with Christ’s own suffering, which brings redemption and hope.

The Rituals and their Significance
The rites of the Anointing of the Sick include several key elements: prayer, the laying on of hands, and the anointing with the Oil of the Sick. Each ritual carries deep spiritual significance:

Prayer: Connects the sick person to the broader faith community, reminding them that the entire Church is praying for their healing.

Laying on of Hands: Recalls Jesus’ manner of healing: “They brought the sick with various diseases to Him; and He laid hands on every one of them and healed them” (Luke 4:40). The gesture indicates that this particular person is the object of the Church’s prayer of faith. It is a sign of blessing and an invocation for the coming of the Spirit.

Anointing with Oil: A sacramental sign of healing, strengthening and the Holy Spirit’s presence, fortifying the person’s spirit and soul.

Dr John Wong, an Occupational Health physician, believes that “oil is meant for healing of bodily sickness but in a mystical way and in a sacramental sense it reconciles and restores the wellness of the body and soul. Therefore, the Sacrament of Anointing brings forth tremendous consolation, joy and peace to the anointed and those related to the anointed through faith and blood.”

Pastoral Approach: Compassionate Outreach
Understanding and appreciating the Anointing of the Sick is crucial for the laity. It is a call to be active participants in the ministry of compassion. Visiting the sick, praying for them, and encouraging them to receive the Sacrament can significantly enhance their experience of God’s love.

Pastoral care groups must ensure that the Sacrament is readily available, especially for those in hospitals, nursing homes, and those confined to their homes. Education about the Sacrament can dispel misconceptions that it is only for the dying, promoting its true purpose as a Sacrament of healing and hope.

Conclusion: A Visible Sign of Compassion and Hope
The Pope’s prayer intention for July calls us to deepen our understanding and practice of the Anointing of the Sick. By embracing and promoting this Sacrament, we can ensure that those who are suffering receive not only medical and psychological support but also the spiritual and pastoral care that acknowledges their full dignity as persons beloved by God. In this way, the Anointing of the Sick becomes a visible sign of compassion and hope, transforming the experience of illness into an encounter with the living Christ.

Fr Fabian Dicom is the National Office Director for Caritas Malaysia.