Anointing of the Sick

This sacrament was instituted by Christ and is attested by Saint James: “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call in the presbyters of the Church and let them pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:14-15).

The celebration of this sacrament consists essentially in an anointing with oil which may be blessed by the bishop. The anointing is on the forehead and on the hands of the sick person accompanied by the prayer of the priest who asks for the special grace of this sacrament, which unites the sick person more intimately to the Passion of Christ for his or her good and for the good of all the Church. It gives comfort, peace, courage, and even the forgiveness of sins if the sick person is not able to make a confession. Sometimes, if it is the will of God, this sacrament even brings about the restoration of physical health. In any case this Anointing prepares the sick person for the journey to the Father’s House.

Requests to receive the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick should be made to one of the Cathedral priests. Please contact the Cathedral Office on (02) 9220 0400