BRILL: A New Commissioning for Healing - Welcoming the new order of Anointing of the Sick

A priest blesses a woman's hands while giving the anointing of the sick during a Mass at to celebrate World Day of the Sick. The day, instituted by Pope John Paul II in 1992 and celebrated annually on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, affirms the Church's duty to remember and serve the sick and the suffering. As the Church continues its process of reforming the ritual books that guide our liturgical life, we have recently received a newly translated ritual book, the “Order of the Anointing of the Sick and their Pastoral Care.”
 
Soon this book will be promulgated to enrich our ministry to those who are ill or elderly. The books became available for use on Feb. 11, which is the World Day of the Sick, honoring Our Lady of Lourdes. However, the book is required for all celebrations beginning Easter Sunday, April 5. 

Jesus’ healing ministry is at the heart of his establishment of the Church. He touched the sick, forgave sins and restored hope. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is not reserved only for the moment of death; it is for anyone facing serious illness, advanced age or the frailty that comes with suffering. Through anointing with oil, prayer and the laying on of hands, Christ Himself strengthens body and soul, unites our pain to His cross and pours out peace and courage. 

The new ritual text deepens this encounter in beautiful ways. It offers clearer guidance for clergy to help them in their ministry of walking with the sick. Prayers composed for the sick and dying are presented with fresh pastoral warmth. The book reminds us that healing is always something God desires, strengthening our souls, even when a cure for a physical ailment is not found. 

How can we engage the Church’s teaching on sickness and grow closer to Jesus the Healer? 

Talk openly about illness, aging and death instead of pushing those topics to the margins. When someone is seriously ill, ask your priest about Anointing early, not as a last resort, but as a source of strength. Gather to pray with a sick or elderly person. 

Volunteer for the parish’s sick and homebound ministry. There you can bring Holy Communion, pray with the elderly or simply listen with compassion. Reflect on how your sufferings, however small, as they can be united to Christ’s own sufferings.  

The new ritual invites us to see every visit to the sick as an act of love that makes Jesus present. So this is an opportunity for us to remember that no one suffers alone. The whole Church surrounds the sick with prayer and hope.

As we prepare for its arrival, let us open our hearts to the Lord who says, “I am with you always.” May this new ritual help every family and parish experience Christ’s tender mercy more deeply. Together, let us walk in hope with those who carry the cross of illness, confident that the Risen Lord brings light, peace and eternal life.

Adam Brill is the director of the Office of Worship.