Catechism index

1501 I. Its Foundations in the Economy of Salvation Illness can lead to anguish, self-absorption, sometimes even despair and revolt against God. It can also make a person more mature, helping him discern in his life what is not essential so …
1502 I. Its Foundations in the Economy of Salvation The man of the Old Testament lives his sickness in the presence of God. It is before God that he laments his illness, and it is of God, Master of life and …
1503 I. Its Foundations in the Economy of Salvation Christ's compassion toward the sick and his many healings of every kind of infirmity are a resplendent sign that "God has visited his people" 103 and that the Kingdom of God is …
1504 I. Its Foundations in the Economy of Salvation Often Jesus asks the sick to believe. 107 He makes use of signs to heal: spittle and the laying on of hands, 108 mud and washing. 109 The sick try to touch …
1505 I. Its Foundations in the Economy of Salvation Moved by so much suffering Christ not only allows himself to be touched by the sick, but he makes their miseries his own: "He took our infirmities and bore our diseases." 111 …
1506 I. Its Foundations in the Economy of Salvation Christ invites his disciples to follow him by taking up their cross in their turn. 113 By following him they acquire a new outlook on illness and the sick. Jesus associates them …
1507 I. Its Foundations in the Economy of Salvation The risen Lord renews this mission ("In my name . . . they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover." 115 ) and confirms it through the signs …
1508 I. Its Foundations in the Economy of Salvation The Holy Spirit gives to some a special charism of healing 118 so as to make manifest the power of the grace of the risen Lord. But even the most intense prayers …
1509 I. Its Foundations in the Economy of Salvation "Heal the sick!" 120 The Church has received this charge from the Lord and strives to carry it out by taking care of the sick as well as by accompanying them with …
1510 I. Its Foundations in the Economy of Salvation However, the apostolic Church has its own rite for the sick, attested to by St. James: "Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders [presbyters] of the Church and …
1511 I. Its Foundations in the Economy of Salvation The Church believes and confesses that among the seven sacraments there is one especially intended to strengthen those who are being tried by illness, the Anointing of the Sick:
1512 This sacred anointing of the sick was instituted by Christ our Lord as a true and proper sacrament of the New Testament. It is alluded to indeed by Mark, but is recommended to the faithful and promulgated by James the apostle and brother of the Lord. 124 From ancient times in the liturgical traditions of both East and West, we have testimonies to the practice of anointings of the sick with blessed oil. Over the centuries the Anointing of …
1513 This sacred anointing of the sick was instituted by Christ our Lord as a true and proper sacrament of the New Testament. It is alluded to indeed by Mark, but is recommended to the faithful and promulgated by James the apostle and brother of the Lord. 124 The Apostolic Constitution Sacram unctionem infirmorum, 126 following upon the Second Vatican Council, 127 established that henceforth, in the Roman Rite, the following be observed: The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick …
1514 II. Who Receives and Who Administers This Sacrament? 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 …
1515 II. Who Receives and Who Administers This Sacrament? 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 …
1516 II. Who Receives and Who Administers This Sacrament? Only priests (bishops and presbyters) are ministers of the Anointing of the Sick. 130 It is the duty of pastors to instruct the faithful on the benefits of this sacrament. the faithful …
1517 III. How is This Sacrament Celebrated? Like all the sacraments the Anointing of the Sick is a liturgical and communal celebration, 131 whether it takes place in the family home, a hospital or church, for a single sick …
1518 III. How is This Sacrament Celebrated? Word and sacrament form an indivisible whole. the Liturgy of the Word, preceded by an act of repentance, opens the celebration. the words of Christ, the witness of the apostles, awaken the …
1519 III. How is This Sacrament Celebrated? The celebration of the sacrament includes the following principal elements: the "priests of the Church" 132 - in silence - lay hands on the sick; they pray over them in the faith …
1520 IV. The Effects of the Celebration of This Sacrament 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 …